Cebu Pacific won’t accept foreign travelers covered by variant ban

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific on Friday announced that it will not accept foreign nationals who originated, transited, or visited any of the countries covered by the extended travel restrictions imposed by the government to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus variant.

The Philippines earlier extended the travel restrictions on foreigners until January 31, 2021, after a 29-year-old Quezon City resident who returned to the country from Dubai was found positive with the variant.

“During this period, only Filipino citizens will be accepted on flights from Dubai, Hong Kong, Nagoya (Japan), Singapore, and Seoul (South Korea),” the Cebu Pacific said in a statement.

The countries covered by the travel restriction are the following:

•    United Kingdom
•    Denmark
•    Ireland
•    Japan
•    Australia
•    Israel
•    The Netherlands
•    China (including Hong Kong)
•    Switzerland
•    France
•    Germany
•    Iceland
•    Italy
•    Lebanon
•    Singapore
•    Sweden
•    South Korea
•    South Africa
•    Canada
•    Spain
•    United States
•    Portugal
•    India
•    Finland
•    Norway
•    Jordan
•    Brazil
•    Austria
•    Pakistan
•    Jamaica
•    Luxembourg
•    Oman

According to the budget carrier, affected passengers may rebook their flights for free within 90 days with a waived rebooking fee and fare difference, avail of a full travel fund that is valid for two years, or avail of a full refund.

“In compliance with IATF regulations, Filipinos who wish to proceed with their travel plans will be subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at an accredited facility upon arrival in Manila,” it said.

“CEB will continue to operate its domestic and international flights as scheduled,” it added.

The Cebu Pacific said passengers may visit bit.ly/CEBFlightReminders for a complete list of operational flights, along with travel requirements, safety protocols, and frequently asked questions. — DVM, GMA News