Passengers to check in 45 minutes before int’l flights
Passengers to check in 45 minutes before int’l flights
MANILA, Philippines — Departing passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport who fail to check in at least 45 minutes before their flight risk not being allowed to board at all under a new Bureau of Immigration policy.
Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan issued a memorandum order on May 29 which authorizes immigration officers at the airport to deny departure formalities to passengers who do not appear at the airport at least 45 minutes before their flight.
“Accordingly, passengers allowed by airline operators to check in after the 45-minute cut-off time may be denied immigration departure formalities,” Libanan said in the memorandum to all BI personnel at the NAIA.
Because of the new rule, Libanan advised travelers to show up a few hours before their flight to avoid inconveniences.
Libanan said the new policy is aimed at achieving the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization with respect to clearing departing passengers and processing cargo. The immigration chief said the new rule should give the agency and airport officials enough time to clear a passenger.
He ordered all immigration officials at the airport to strictly enforce the rule, which he said ICAO formulated to improve operational efficiency and safety of airports, airlines, and service providers.