THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has assured that Clark International Airport can accommodate passengers who will be affected by the prohibition of domestic flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila.

The agency issued the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Thursday, March 12, that domestic air travel to and from NAIA will be suspended starting March 15, 2020.

"We would like to assure the public that Clark International Airport is ready and has the capacity for the expected influx of passengers," the BCDA stated.

For its part, the Lipad Corporation stated that Clark International Airport remains operational amid Duterte's announcement on social distancing measures, which include suspension of domestic air travel to and from Metro Manila starting March 15.

"We will keep the public informed should there be relevant announcements that will affect the travel plans of all passengers using Clark International Airport," stated Lipad, the operator of Clark airport.

Duterte ordered the community quarantine of Metro Manila for one month to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The Department of Health announced that three more people had died of the virus, taking the total number of deaths to five out of the 52 confirmed cases in the Philippines.