Local carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and AirAsia Philippines on Tuesday announced the gradual resumption of their flights between Manila and Caticlan, with the government’s announcement to reopen Boracay Island to tourists from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ beginning October 1.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the carrier would mount the Manila-Caticlan-Manila service on October 1, 9, and 11.

It would then operate these routes twice weekly, every Friday and Sunday, starting October 16.

AirAsia Philippines, on the other hand, will fly between Manila and Caticlan once a week starting October 2.

The plan is to increase the flight frequency to thrice weekly starting October 11 and mount the flights every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Both PAL and AirAsia Philippines, in separate statements, said they support the government’s decision to reopen Boracay Island and that safety protocols would be implemented properly.

PAL passengers must present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result, at least 48 hours before the date of travel.

AirAsia Philippines advises Boracay-bound passengers to prepare the negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure; a health declaration card that can be found on Aklan government’s website, aklan.gov.ph; a medical certificate issued by a government physician; travel authority pass from the Philippine National Police; and hotel or resort booking confirmation details to be presented upon check-in and arrival.

The Godofredo R. Ramos Airport in Caticlan will be the sole port of entry for tourists traveling by air. (PNA)