CLARK FREEPORT -- Some 16 airports around the country are allowing commercial flights, as of July 1, 2020.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) has released the names of airports with commercial flights including Clark, Manila, Romblon, Naga, Laguindingan, Dipolog, Pagadian, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Davao, General Santos, Puerto Princesa, Legazpi, San Jose, Virac, and Basco.
"Airlines have scheduled commercial flights at 16 airports in the country after local government units (LGUs) allowed the commercial operations in their respective areas," the Caap stated.
The aviation agency added that some airports while allowing commercial flights are subject to different documentary and passengers LGU restrictions.
The resumption of regular commercial flights depends on the coordination and conditions imposed by LGUs, according to Caap.
The Clark International Airport served a total of 24 inbound and outbound international flights bringing home more than 5,000 returning Filipinos since the resumption of its commercial operations on June 5, 2020.
On Friday, Emirates resumed its commercial operations from Dubai to Clark allowing stranded Overseas Filipino Workers in the said country to come home.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) began operating repatriation flights from Barbados (via Vancouver) to Clark to bring home Filipino seafarers who were stranded in the Caribbean Island due to Covid-19.
Qatar Airways also operated two special flights from Doha while Spanish airline Wamos Air brought home seafarers from Madrid.
"It is a very heartwarming experience to witness our fellow Filipinos finally come home and we are very happy that Clark airport is able to serve as their gateway back to the Philippines. We are looking forward to serving more flights and more passengers in the coming weeks in compliance with further guidelines set by the IATF and our government," said Bi Yong Chungunco, chief executive officer of Lipad Corporation, the firm operating and managing Clark airport.