No suspension of international flights at NAIA —Nograles

International flights going in and out of Metro Manila are not affected by the government’s decision to put the region under one-month community quarantine to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the clarification on Friday amid queries about the scope of the domestic travel ban, which will run from March 15 to April 14.

“Regarding international flights, flights from Metro Manila going to and coming from abroad will be allowed, subject to travel restrictions that are currently in place,” Nograles said at a news conference in Malacañang.

“If you are a Filipino citizen and you are coming from abroad, you will be allowed to come home, subject to strict quarantine guidelines.”

Foreign nationals who want to fly home from Metro Manila to their respective countries will be allowed to do so, Nograles said.

He also said anyone flying in from abroad through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City will have to remain in Metro Manila until the domestic travel ban is lifted.

“If the ultimate destination is in the provinces we suggest that you fly in via Clark, Cebu, and other airports not under quarantine, they can proceed to your ultimate destination in the provinces,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Thursday the one-month suspension of domestic air, land, and sea travel to and from Metro Manila.

Exempted from the directive is the transport of goods to Metro Manila from the provinces, subject to guidelines.

“Allow me to reiterate that the suspension of domestic travel will be reviewed on a daily basis and may be lifted earlier if the situation allows it, or extended further if the situation requires it,” Nograles said. — MDM, GMA News