MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure that passengers affected by flight disruptions during the 49th ASEAN Summit can avail of free rebooking, full refunds or travel credits without additional fees or penalties.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon was coordinating with airlines to protect passengers from additional expenses arising from flight cancellations and delays linked to the summit.
“Ipinag-utos ng Pangulo kay DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon na siguraduhin na walang pasahero ang malalagay sa alanganin ngayong gaganapin ang ASEAN Summit. Kasalukuyan nang nakikipag-ugnayan ang ahensya sa mga airlines para sa kapakanan ng mga pasahero,” Castro said.
Dizon earlier said no international flight cancellations were expected, although some delays could occur as aircraft carrying ASEAN delegates would be given priority.
He explained that heightened security measures in Metro Manila, particularly at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), could affect flight operations as foreign leaders and delegates arrive for the regional gathering.
Under the President’s directive, airlines must provide affected passengers with options to rebook their flights without fees or penalties, receive a full refund of their ticket price or convert their bookings into travel credits for future use.
Dizon assured travelers that the government would work closely with airlines to safeguard passenger rights and minimize inconvenience during the summit.
He emphasized that passengers should not shoulder additional financial costs resulting from ASEAN-related flight disruptions.
