Returning OFWs’ airport terminal fee canceled by early 2017

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naiaThe Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) said returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose tickets were purchased abroad will be exempt from paying terminal fee by March 2017.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general Ed Monreal on November 28 said airlines have agreed in principle to automatically relieve OFWs who bought their overseas return tickets to the Philippines from having to pay the terminal fee.

Currently, the P550 terminal fee of returning OFWs is integrated into their ticket fee and returned through MIAA refund counters in Philippine airports to the inconvenience of OFWs.

“Airline have already agreed in principle, so, hopefully by March 2017, mawala na ang pangamba ng ating mga OFWs sa pagbabayad ng terminal fee [the worries of OFWs about their terminal fee will be gone],” Monreal said.

He explained that the exemption starts March 2017 to give airlines time to update their programs and systems for this policy.

The DOTr, MIAA, and airline companies have yet to enter into a memorandum of understanding to formalize the agreement.

This announcement came as DOTr listed its accomplishment in the aviation sector, the agency said in a press statement.

Among these is the enforcement of a slot management system to ensure that flights depart on time. The system has improved the on-time performance of airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from 47% to 71% since the new administration took over, said the agency.

To address traffic congestion around the airport, MIAA is also coordinating with Villamor Airbase to allow vehicles to pass through the airbase, especially along Andrews Avenue.

A short two-minute waiting time is also being implemented for people welcoming and sending off passengers at the airport.

Capt. Jim Sydiongco, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also disclosed the addition of Legazpi, Butuan, Dumaguete, and Caticlan airports to the country’s list of night-rated airports. Roxas airport too will be able to accommodate evening flights before Christmas.