Carriers to cut Kalibo ops as COVID-19 threat persists

As the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) persists, more airline companies have announced further reduction of their operation at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA), according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

CAAP-Kalibo chief Engr. Eusebio Monserate Jr. said KIA will have no more international flights beginning March 8 this year.

Monserate added the global scare of the COVID-19 has prompted various carriers operating at the KIA to halt their services. Some of the airlines that will expand their suspension of flights include AirAsia and Pan Pacific.

Monserate, however, clarified that the suspension is indefinite.

“The CAAP central office has no advisories against any travel ban for now. The cancellation of flights was the decision of the airline companies themselves,” Monserate explained.

The last international flights to bring passengers to the KIA will be coming from Incheon and Busan – both cities from South Korea on March 7.

“There are also chartered flights scheduled on March 23 and 25. From then, we will await for advisories if when the international flights would resume,” he added.

On March 1, a flight was expected to arrive to KIA from Taiwan but was cancelled.

Monserate noted that the KIA will continue to operate their three domestic flights from and to Manila, Cebu and Clark.