PAL, Cebu Pacific to refund, rebook flights affected by Boracay closure

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific will refund or rebook flights to Boracay Island that will be affected by the closure of the prime tourist destination.

“In anticipation of any government decision to close or cut back tourism activities in Boracay Island for a temporary period, Philippine Airlines will be ready to make the appropriate adjustments to schedules of flights to and from Caticlan (Boracay) airport and Kalibo International Airport,” PAL said on Friday.

“We will be ready to assist passengers in rebooking, refunding and rerouting their flights in such a scenario,” the airline said.

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific said it intends to give its customers full refunds as well as the opportunity to transfer to other destinations where seats are available “in the event we are required to cancel services.”

The Departments of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, and Interior and Local Government have decided to recommend closing the island resort for six months starting April 26.

The recommendation will be sent to President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday.

Cebu Pacific will take the necessary actions as soon as it gets clarity on the government’s plan and timeline.

“For passengers seeking to book vacations in the coming months, please consider the multitude of beautiful Filipino destinations that we also fly to,” the budget carrier said.

For its part, PAL said any adjustment will depend on the scope and duration of the closure and will take into account the need to retain some flights to serve the residents and businesses in Kalibo and the rest of Aklan province.

“We also intend to help minimize any impact on tourism, our passengers, and on our airline operations by redirecting flights to other routes where we can continue to promote domestic and international tourist travel for the Philippines, during the temporary closure period,” the flag carrier noted.

PAL will issue public advisories to inform and update passengers.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation, pending any final government announcements, and coordinate with the Department of Tourism and the other concerned government agencies in support of the efforts to rehabilitate Boracay Island,” PAL said.

Calling the world-famous vacation spot a “cesspool” in February, Duterte threatened to close Boracay.

His statement triggered a crackdown on business establishments and other stakeholders that violated environmental laws and policies.

Stakeholders in Boracay, among them the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), Tourism Congress Association of the Philippines, and Boracay Foundation, said the impending closure of the island may result in at least P56 billion in foregone revenues and render 36,000 people jobless.

They are now seeking a dialogue with the government. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News