Philippine Airlines to Reduce Flights to Address Delays and Cancellations

The Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airports Authority (MIAA) have asked some airlines to cut the number of flights to address frequent cancellations or delays.

Bryan Co, head of the Manila International Airports Authority (MIAA), said the agency was urging airlines to "work out a schedule where they can support the number of aircraft they have".

Deputy Transport Minister Robert Lim (transliteration) said: "Overbooked tickets are not the main problem. Frequent flight cancellations also include red lightning alerts at airports."

AirAsia said that although it has not yet received a request from the Philippine authorities to reduce flights, the company is considering shifting some of its flights to the night.

"We have reduced the number of flights and deployed standby aircraft in view of the unprecedented number of aircraft being grounded, some of which will be out of service for a considerable period of time," said Carmina Air Pacific spokeswoman Kamina Romero."

Cielo Villaruna, spokesman for Philippine Airlines, said: "In response to the above request, Philippine Airlines (Villaluna) has reduced its flights to improve the reliability and punctuality of its schedule. Most importantly, it ensures operational flexibility."