In preparation for the resumption of commercial flights on May 16, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will be adopting additional safety measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will be subjected to more stringent health checks upon their departure or arrival at the airport. In line with the Bureau of Quarantine’s guidelines, all passengers are required to fill-out electronic Health Declaration and Passenger Locator forms.

Those entering the airport will be required to submit themselves to body temperature checks, with security personnel equipped with 81 infrared thermometer guns. Foot baths are also located in all entry and exit points of passengers and airport personnel alike.

NAIA will also be limiting the number of people entering the airport complex to passengers with valid travel documents and confirmed bookings for the day. The MIAA policy on the limited entry of non-airport workers and non-passengers will remain in effect.

To ensure that social distancing measures are carried out, a “one seat apart” policy will be enforced at queuing points inside and outside the terminal buildings. Yellow floor markings will also be installed in all queuing points, and acrylic barriers will be installed at check-in counters and help desks.

Security procedures will also be carried out through “no contact means,” making use of walk-through x-ray machines, portable scanners and handheld metal detectors. Manual frisking is limited to exceptional instances, although the MIAA has yet to specify which situations will

Facilities such as aerobridges, baggage conveyors, check-in counters, equipment used for flight operations and frequently touched surfaces will be regularly disinfected. Airport employees and frontline personnel will also be provided with personal protective equipment.

Header photo courtesy of Manila International Airport Authority

Get more stories like this by subscribing to our weekly newsletter here.