Undas, long weekend travelers flock to NAIA Terminal 2

MANILA — Passengers flocked to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 on Saturday to take advantage of the long weekend and the Undas break.

Most of the passengers were bound for Boracay, including Ariz Villaruel, who travelled with her family from Las Piñas and Nueva Ecija.

Villaruel said they had already visited the cemetery two days earlier to avoid the expected crowds during Undas, leaving the long weekend for their vacation. 

“Sa sementeryo naman, two days ago dumalaw na kami para hindi na makisabay sa rush ng pagpunta. Bakasyon na lang talaga. Balik na naman sa reality after which,” he said.

Meanwhile, some travelers opted to cancel their overseas trips due to rising airfares, including Indian national Jagrup Singh, who was supposed to travel to Hong Kong with his companions.

Singh said they decided to go to Boracay instead, noting the significant increase in international ticket prices. 

“We are supposed to go international but fuel crisis very high, airfare very high. DOTr (Department of Transportation) charges very high. We planned for Hong Kong because we are Indians we don’t have Undas. No choice, the airfare is very high, times three. Normally the ticket from Manila to Hong Kong is P12,000, now it’s P25,000. No choice, we will go domestic,” Singh said.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), in an advisory dated October 27, announced that the fuel surcharge for airline passengers would increase to Level 17 from Level 16 for the period November 1 to 15. 

Under the new level, fuel surcharges may range from P559 to P1,635 for domestic flights and P1,846.10 to P13,726.58 for international flights, depending on the flight distance.

Despite the higher travel costs, others pushed through with their vacation plans.

Twenty-six-year-old Betina Llana was among those heading to Boracay with her boyfriend, saying taking time off from work was important. 

“Doon kasi nakikita ‘yong balance ng work and life. Importante talaga na minsan makapag-relax lang din. Plinano talaga namin mag-book for the long weekend,” Llana said. 

Airport personnel said passenger volume at Terminal 2 was relatively lower on Saturday compared to the previous days.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group intensified its security patrols across airports, with K-9 units also deployed to help ensure passenger safety.

Airport authorities expect another surge in passenger traffic on November 3, following the Undas break.