DOTr tells Cathay Pacific to explain torn-passport incident in Cebu

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday ordered Cathay Pacific to explain an incident in which a passenger was denied boarding at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport after his passport was allegedly mishandled by airline staff.

The DOTr said the passenger’s passport was allegedly torn while being handled by the airline staff during the check-in process. The passport was rendered invalid and unusable. 

The airline staff also allegedly did not provide any explanation or assistance following the incident.

The passenger was supposed to board a flight to Dubai on April 24.

“Cathay Pacific has been ordered to submit an explanation on the incident by today, 01 May 2025,” the DOTr said in a statement.

GMA News Online is trying to get Cathay Pacific's comment and will publish it as soon as it is available.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has directed all airlines to ensure that no tampering of passports occurs at airports, according to the agency.

On Tuesday, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport said airport security personnel are no longer allowed to touch the passengers’ passports during terminal entry following reports of damaged passports. –NB, GMA Integrated News