THE Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is on heightened alert until Nov. 7 in anticipation of influx of arriving and departing passengers during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the airport’s private operator, said yesterday that it has placed the airport on a heightened alert since Sunday under Oplan Ligtas Biyahe – Undas 2017.
Avi Maningo, corporate affairs officer of GMCAC, said they expect passengers, both departing and arriving, to increase to 30,000 daily come Nov. 1 and 2. Last Friday, she said they registered 27,600 passengers.
“All security and safety units are placed in heightened alert status for a sufficient 24/7 manning of security personnel and to guarantee immediate response to any untoward incidents within the airport during the holiday period,” said MCIAA general manager and CEO Steve Yuhico-Dicdican, in a statement yesterday.
Meanwhile, GMCAC said the management has already coordinated among airline operators, including the F&B and retail concessionaires, on the efficient processing of the passengers to avoid heavy queuing, especially at the check-in counters.
In addition, passengers are advised to confirm their flight details with their airlines before going to the airport and are encouraged to use the online check-in facility or the self-service check-in kiosks for a more convenient check-in process.
Oplan Ligtas Biyahe is implemented for a smooth, safe, and secure terminal and ramp operations during the holidays.
“In the coming days, we are anticipating an increase in volume of passengers traveling with their families. In observance of this solemn and deeply-rooted tradition, we are ensuring to provide an efficient service for them so that they can proceed to their respective destinations comfortably and safely with their families,” said GMCAC chief executive advisor Andrew Harrison.
Assistance
Since Oct. 25, GMCAC said help desks jointly operated by customer service executives, security personnel, and medical staff were put in place at the domestic and international arrival areas to provide assistance to passengers returning home or visiting Cebu, and other provinces.