The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday said it is scheduled to discuss with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) the implementation of a calamity protocol amid the continuing unrest of the Taal Volcano.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat will attend the meeting with CAB on Monday to discuss the implementation of rules that airlines must follow during times of emergencies and natural calamities, such as the current one in Batangas.

“Airlines must maintain communication with their passengers and update them regarding flight delays, cancellations, and resumptions ahead of schedule, in order to give travelers ample time to plan their trip and avoid unnecessary stranding at the airport,” the department said in a statement.

It added that as vice chairman of the CAB, the DOT prioritizes the “provision of adequate, efficient, economical and convenient air services to travelers.”

Some 516 flights and an estimated 80,000 passengers were affected when flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport were put on hold on Sunday night as a result of ashfall from the Taal Volcano eruption.

Partial operations resumed on Monday, with the first flight arrival recorded at 12:21 p.m., and first departure flight being able to take off at 12:31 p.m.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 4, which means a hazardous eruption is possible within hours or days. (PNA)