BI: 161k arrivals on Christmas weekend top pre-pandemic numbers

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recorded 161,664 arrivals to the Philippines on Christmas weekend, the agency said on Tuesday.

The bureau said that a vast majority- 81%- came on planes that landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In a post on its official social media account, the BI also recorded 130,497 departures from December 23 to 25.

The record was higher than the pre-pandemic daily arrival average for December at 55,000   and the 47,000 departure average.

“International travel is not just on a rebound. These figures show that the number of travelers are almost surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. It’s a cause for celebration for the tourism and international travel sectors,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

Tansingco said additional protocols and security measures have been implemented during the holiday season for a more efficient arrival and departure process.—RF, GMA Integrated News