Airline companies will not allow unvaccinated people to travel to and from Metro Manila beginning Jan. 17, following the implementation of the “no vaccination, no ride” policy.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) and AirAsia Philippines posted separate statements that they would only allow fully vaccinated individuals to fly while the National Capital Region is under Alert Level 3 or higher.
“Effective January 17, 2022, airlines are only allowed to accept fully vaccinated passengers for carriage on our domestic flights to and from Manila,” PAL said in a statement, referencing the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) new order.
According to the mandate from the DOTr, people can only be considered fully vaccinated two after getting the second dose.
Passengers must show their physical or digital vaccination cards along with a government-issued identification card with their picture and address.
However, there are some exemptions from the travel ban. Non-vaccinated passengers are allowed to fly as long as it is for an essential purpose, such as persons with medical conditions that prevent full Covid-19 vaccination. These passengers must present a signed medical certificate with the name and contact details of their physician.
Those who provide essential goods and services will also be allowed to fly.
Both airlines showed their support for the new policy, noting that the said move would help curb the transmission of Covid-19.
“AirAsia Philippines considers this initiative from the DOTr as an effective tool to encourage every Filipino to take the shot, and get an added layer of protection against any emerging Covid-19 variant,” Ricky Isla, AirAsia Philippines CEO, said in a statement.
Both AirAsia Philippines and PAL reminded their guests to check their flight status.
If a new order bans them from flying, PAL urges their guests to convert their tickets to travel credits, rebook or reroute, or ask for a refund.
“We seek your kind understanding, as we are required to comply with government directives for the safety of all travelers and our communities,” the flag carrier said. Ronald Espartinez