Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is ready to accommodate the expected influx of passengers during ‘Undas’ (All Saint’s Day).

Monreal said “Oplan desks” will be set up in airport terminals to address queries and concerns of the passengers.

The desks at the four NAIA terminals will be manned by MIAA, the Civil Aeronautics Board, as well as police and medical teams.

Recently, Monreal met with the airlines’ representatives to remind them of some guidelines to ensure the smooth operation of NAIA during the All Saint’s Day period.

In a statement, Monreal asked the airlines to close their counters if they only have three or five remaining customers who have not yet checked in “so that others could opt to use that counter”.

“Airlines were urged to occupy the counters earlier than their standard schedule of three hours prior to the flight departure time. The move will somehow ease the queuing time in the immigration counters,” it added.

The airlines are also advised to have their passengers with bags to go through the check-in counters instead of kiosks, since they would need to physically appear at the counter.

Some local carriers offer bag drop kiosks as well as self-check-in kiosks.

During the meeting, Monreal agreed with airlines’ representatives that they could implement a longer lead time for security check-in processes, especially for flights to Australia and America where there are additional security measures required.

The airport chief also reminded the airlines to ensure that their aircraft are in shape and good condition.

He also asked them to tell their handling agents to limit paging announcements to three per flight.

“Let us be considerate of passengers. Too many announcements and announcing with a loud and garbled voice are both irritating,” Monreal said. (PNA)