Cebu Pacific to start domestic flights, Dubai-Manila route to remain suspended

The Philippines’ largest airline Cebu Pacific has announced that it will gradually resume commercial passenger flights between select domestic destinations starting June 2, 2020.

However, all international flights — including the Dubai-Manila route — remain suspended until June 30, 2020, it said in a statement on Sunday.

In the first phase, Cebu Pacific will operate return flights from Manila to Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Naga. All these flights are set to depart and arrive from Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Leisure travel remains prohibited at this time, the statement said.

The airline has ramped up its sanitation protocols at all possible points of contact, to ensure passengers and personnel are protected.

All Cebu Pacific ground staff are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment while on duty. Self-check in kiosks, check-in and bag drop counters, as well as shuttle buses will be undergoing frequent cleaning and disinfection procedures, the airline said.

Passengers have been urged to check-in online and arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to check-in as counters will be closed 60 minutes before the flights.

Wearing face masks will be mandatory for all passengers for the duration of the flight.

Passengers will also have to stow their own hand-carry bags in the overhead bins and will be expected to practice self-disposal of trash and waste at the end of the flight.

Middle seats will be kept vacant as much as possible, the airline said.

Pilots and cabin crew members will also undergo rapid antibody testing before boarding their flights.

Cebu Pacific also confirmed that it is offering flexible options for those affected by the flight cancellations from June 1-30, 2020.

They can rebook their flights for travel within three months from the original flight date, place the full cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund valid for one year, or avail of a full refund.

The Philippines will ease its strict lockdown starting Monday after more than two months of being in quarantine. The country has so far reported over 17,000 Covid-19 cases.