CLARK FREEPORT -- The National Task Force (NTF) for Covid-19 has approved the increase of international passenger capacity in at least three airports in the country.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will now be allowed to accept 3,000 inbound passengers daily.
Both Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport may now accommodate 1,500 incoming international passengers every day.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has been approved by the NTF to release notice to airmen (NOTAMs) for an increase of inbound international passengers.
In a letter addressed to CAAP Director General Capt. Jim C. Sydiongco released on Friday, July 17, 2020, Defense Secretary and NTF chairman Delfin Lorenzana has allowed the gradual increase of daily passenger capacity restrictions in said airports.
This, taking into consideration the respective airports' Covid-19 testing capacities and subject to close and full coordination with airport authorities.
But all inbound international flights will only carry overseas Filipino workers and seafarers, clarified Teri Flores, corporate communication chief of Lipad, the consortium running the Clark airport.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on July 16 stated that foreign nationals with long-term visas in the country will be allowed entry starting August 1.
The IATF, however, said that foreigners must first have valid and existing visas at the time of the entry and no new visas shall be accepted.
They are also subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry as OFWs will be given priority.
Foreign nationals also need to secure a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility and Covid-19 testing center.