RDC asks use of CAAP funds for stranded passengers

THE Regional Development Council (RDC) in Western Visayas through its Economic Development Committee (EDC) is requesting the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to use its emergency fund to help stranded flight passengers affected by cancelled or delayed flight due to force majeure.

The EDC is also requesting the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to impose and enforce strict compliance of policies and regulations regarding abrupt cancellation of schedules domestic flights at the Iloilo and Silay airports in the region.

EDC chairman and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Dominic Abad presented the twin resolutions that were unanimously approved by the RDC during its last meeting in Silay City.

According to the resolutions, it has been observed that flights have been cancelled because of insufficient passengers, which has caused inconvenience and stress, as well as additional expenses incurred by the affected passengers due to their extended stay.

When delays and cancellations happened brought by bad weather condition, airline companies do not provide meals or refreshments, hotel and transport assistance to passengers.

The EDC pointed out that the airlines always cited profitability as usual reason due to insufficient passengers, which justifies the sudden or abrupt cancellation of scheduled flights from Iloilo and Silay.

The EDC resolution said this move diminishes the reputation of the region’s airport facilities and adversely affect the current concerted efforts of government agencies and the private sector to promote the region as a premier tourist destination.

The EDC twin resolutions are expected to strengthen the tourism and transportation industries in the region with the cooperation of various airlines servicing the international airports in Iloilo and Silay in Negros Occidental. (LCP)