Philippine Airlines Adjusts Flight Schedule Ahead of New Clark Flights

Philippine Airlines is acting on the government's request to shift flights to Clark International Airport in an effort to help decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. As the national flag carrier prepares to launch new flights out of Clark, PAL has revealed a list of domestic flight cancellations at NAIA, which will take effect in September. The cancellations are expected to support the decongestion of the airport.

Copyright Photo: Angelo Agcamaran/PPSG

The cancellations will affect flights from Manila to the following Philippine airports: Caticlan, Cebu, Calbayog, Kalibo, Laoag, Legaspi, Tablas, and Tuguegarao. Both Caticlan and Cebu will see the largest number of flight cancellations from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. 

In a statement released by Philippine Airlines, the carrier expressed support of the government initiative to reduce congestion at NAIA and shift some of the workload to Clark, which needs to be better utilised to help alleviate traffic at the country's primary international gateway. "These moves are being carried out in support of the government's thrust to decongest NAIA," stated PAL.

87 percent of all Philippine Airlines flights currently arrive or depart at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. In 2015, the airport already breached its annual maximum capacity of 35 million passengers when more than 36 million travellers passed through the airport. 

Philippine Airlines is counting on the national government to build the necessary infrastructure at Clark International Airport to support expanded flight operations. According to PAL President Jaime Bautista, Clark Airport needs catering services, re-fuelling stations, and better bus service. Bautista believes that the government will set up appropriate infrastructure, once they are made aware that new flights will be coming. 

Meanwhile, any passengers affected by the Philippine Airlines cancellations are invited to contact the airline to re-book their flights or request a refund. Flights can be re-booked within 30 days of the original flight date by calling Philippine Airlines at (02) 855-8888. Alternatively, passengers may also visit the nearest PAL ticketing office.