CAB warns hefty fines vs. airlines who fail to handle flight disruptions

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) on Tuesday warned airline companies that they will have to pay hefty fines for failing to extend appropritate assistance to passengers during flight cancellations.

The CAB reiterated that airlines must provide timely and accurate updates on passengers regarding their flights, noting that there must be an explanation provided for the delay or cancellation.

“In case ang flight ay ma-cancel seven days or less prior sa oras ng paglipad, ang airlines po ay siyempre may obligasyon na magbigay na timely na notification sa kanilang lahat ng mga pasahero,” said Clarabel Anna Lacsina of CAB’s Air Operating Rights Division.

(In case the flight is canceled seven days or less before the departure time, the airlines, of course, have an obligation to provide timely notification to all their passengers.)

“Dapat hindi lang announcement na ang flight ay kanselado, dapat maipaalam ng mga airlines sa kanilang mga pasahero at ma-explain yung totoong rason kung bakit nakansela ang kanilang mga flight,” she added.

(It shouldn't just be an announcement that the flight is canceled; the airlines must inform their passengers and explain the real reason why their flights were canceled.)

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through CAB, earlier reminded airlines that they are mandated by the Air Passenger Bill of Rights (APBR)  to promptly inform passengers of any changes in their flights, delays, or cancellations.

The DOTr noted that delayed announcements or cancellations cause inconveniences to passengers and subject them to additional expenses for meals or accommodations.

CAB said fines of up to P2 million could be imposed on airline companies that will not follow the guidelines on cancellations.

“Ang kaparusahan sa paglabag ng mga regulasyon ng CAB ayon sa aming charter or RA 776, ang CAB ay may kapangyarihan na  magpataw ng administrative fine ranging from P5,000 to P2 million. Sa APBR, ang paglabag ng regulasyon na ito ay puwede pong mapatawan ang airline sa hindi pagsunod mula P50,000 to P189,000,” said Lacsina.

(The penalty for violating CAB regulations under our charter, or RA 776, is that the CAB has the power to impose an administrative fine ranging from P5,000 to P2 million. Under the APBR, violating this regulation could lead to the airline being fined from P50,000 to P189,000 for non-compliance.) — BAP, GMA Integrated News