THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has advised international travelers to be at the airport three hours before their scheduled departure, following long queues at immigration counters early Thursday due to the unusual influx of passengers.
In an advisory, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that crowding at immigration counters started at 6:10 a.m. due to multiple departing flights.
"July is considered a peak season in international travel because of the school breaks. All are advised to check in at least 3 hours prior to their flights to give ample time for airport procedures," he added.
He said that all immigration counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were fully manned to quickly check everyone's travel documents.
"In less than an hour, by 6:43 a.m., the queue was moderate, and by 7 a.m. it was already light," Tansingco said.
Despite the inevitable increase in passenger volume during peak travel periods, Tansingco assured air travelers that the BI is well-prepared to manage the situation more effectively.
Also, the BI chief urged international travelers to make it a habit to prioritize early check-in by arriving at least three hours before their scheduled flight.
"Early check-in is not just a recommendation; it's a key factor in ensuring smooth immigration procedures. Passengers should make it a priority to complete check-in and proceed directly to the immigration area," he said.
He also emphasized that an early check-in would provide travelers with the opportunity to enjoy the other facilities of the airport, including its various restaurants, coffee shops, and other amenities.
Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA Travelers are seen inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, on July 4, 2024, as they prepare to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration reminded passengers that they have to be at the airport at least three hours before their departure time to prevent delays. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
In the same period last year, long lines and overcrowding of passengers were also recorded at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 because of the shutdown of international flight operations at NAIA Terminal 2.
According to the latest data provided by the BI, NAIA Terminal 1 experienced a remarkable increase in daily average international travelers since June 16, 2023.
The terminal recorded 28,956 passengers per day, marking a significant 48.1 percent rise from the previous average of 19,553 passengers prior to the transfer.
Similarly, NAIA Terminal 3 also noted a substantial surge in international passenger traffic. With a daily average of 33,682 travelers since June 16, 2023, Terminal 3 witnessed an increase of 19.58 percent from the pre-transfer average of 28,168 passengers.
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