300 trips caught in ASEAN squeeze

More than 300 flights are expected to be disrupted by the heightened security and airport restrictions for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, potentially affecting thousands of passengers, even as the government assured travelers they will not lose money or be charged extra for changing their plans.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said affected passengers would have three options: a free rebooking, a full refund, or a travel fund — as the authorities prepare for tighter airport operations during the regional gathering.

“All of these options are guaranteed. You can choose to rebook your flight, receive a full refund, or get a travel fund. If you are affected, you are entitled to any of these options,” Dizon said.

Speaking at a joint press conference at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Central Office in Pasay City, Dizon said the government and airline operators were committed to protecting passengers’ rights and ensuring that travelers would not have to shoulder the cost of summit-related disruptions.

He was joined by Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Jim C. Sydiongco, CAAP director general Lt. Gen. Raul L. del Rosario, and representatives of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.

Dizon said that passengers whose flights will be affected can change their travel dates without penalty, receive a full refund of the ticket amount, or choose to retain the value of their tickets in travel credits.

The disruptions are expected with the heightened security operations across Metro Manila, particularly at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where most foreign leaders and participants are expected to land ahead of the summit slated for 15 to 17 November.

The airport security measures and adjustments to accommodate the heads of state and other delegates would affect regular commercial flights and passenger schedules.