Scores of passengers arrive early in NAIA

NAIA Terminal 1

THOUSANDS of departing passengers deluged  the  four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Friday, apparently heeding advisories of airlines to arrive four to five hours before their departure time owing to lack of Immigration personnel manning the counters.

The passengers formed long lines at the Bureau of Immigration booths much earlier than their scheduled departure time to avoid being left behind by the aircraft.

Most of the passengers who came early are those coming from the nearby provinces, some of them were seen lying on the floor,  taking a nap while others  sat on the chair at the lobby.

Since January this year, scores of airport’s BI personnel have gone on leave, leaving many of the airport booths  unmanned.

Owing to the situation at the NAIA, major airlines Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific advised their passengers to come to the airport ahead of time.

PAL on Apr. 4  advised passengers taking PAL international flights to check in at the NAIA Terminal 2 at least four to five hours before their flight’s estimated time of departure so  they would not be left by the aircraft.

Cebu Pacific (CEB) and Cebgo also reminded its passengers to come early since their counters would be opened three hours before departure for international flights.

Passengers of other flights, worried about the delays, came in droves apparently thinking  that the advisories  apply to them as well.

Ed Monreal, Manila International Airport Authority  general manager,  said PAL’s advisory was “recommendatory only.”

“NAIA still maintains the three-hour arrival at the airport prior to departure, otherwise, if they arrive much earlier, there would be more congestion at the terminals,” he said. “Majority of airlines open at two and a half hours to three hours before departure.”

Since January this year, the BI had seen a record number of their airport personnel taking official leaves of absence following the cancellation of their overtime pay.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre promised to help expedite the passage of a new Immigration Law.

He said an amendment to the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 would adjust the current pay scheme of the immigration personnel, most of whom are receiving P16,000 monthly salary with a take home pay of P13, 000 less taxes and deductions.