THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has called on outbound travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flights to avoid delays during the anticipated surge in passenger traffic this Holy Week.
“We urge the public to be at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight to allow ample time for immigration and security checks,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said on Monday.
The agency expects daily arrivals to range between 40,000 to 45,000 passengers, while international departures are projected to reach 45,000 to 50,000 in the coming days.
According to Viado, the number of outbound passengers is likely to peak on Holy Wednesday, while inbound traffic is expected to surge on Easter Sunday.
To accommodate the expected influx, Viado said the BI has deployed an additional 48 immigration officers to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), ensuring all immigration counters are fully staffed during peak travel hours.
“This is part of our commitment to deliver swift and seamless service to the traveling public,” he said, adding that immigration personnel from various Metro Manila offices have been reassigned to assist with airport operations.
Entry-level and acting immigration officers have also been placed on rotational duty to reinforce manpower at key terminals.
“Our frontliners are under strict orders to provide efficient, courteous, and professional service at all times,” Viado said. “This operational surge aligns with the President’s directive to enhance government service delivery, particularly in high-traffic areas such as our airports.”