PAL, CEB cancel commercial flights May 1-15

MANILA – Local carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced Friday that all their domestic and international flights would remain canceled until May 15. 

Malacañang announced that the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will be extended in Metro Manila and other select areas considered high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). 

“Regular, commercial flights of the PAL Group remain suspended until May 15. Should the lockdown be lifted by end-day May 15, there will be a gradual and calibrated resumption of operations starting May 16,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in a text message.

 The complete list of flights to be operated once the ECQ is lifted will be released as soon as possible. In the meantime, domestic sweeper flights and special flights — arranged by several foreign embassies to ferry stranded nationals out of the country — will continue, she added. 

The gradual resumption of commercial flights would depend on travel restrictions in each country, as well as the travel demand, Villaluna said. 

Meanwhile in an advisory, CEB said it will continue to mount all-cargo flights to support the movement of vital goods, including medicines and personal protective equipment across the country. 

Affected passengers of canceled flights may rebook their tickets within three months, with fare difference and rebooking fees waived. They may also put the ticket value to a travel fund, or get a full refund. –PNA