Cebu Pacific (CEB) operated two more Bayanihan flights for the month of September to repatriate overseas Filipinos stranded in the Middle East.
The airline's latest Bayanihan flight this week brought home 346 Filipinos from Dubai.
Since July, CEB transported over 4,600 Filipinos from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, India, Vietnam, Lebanon and Bahrain through bayanihan and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) -arranged charter flights.
CEB mounted its September 27 and 29 Bayanihan flights in coordination with the Philippine government’s special working group.
"While we await the easing of restrictions for international travel, we are glad to keep assisting our government in its repatriation efforts," remarked Alex Reyes, CEB Chief Strategy Officer.
Passengers on the bayanihan flights received an additional 25 kg baggage allowance, meal upgrades and a gift pack from Universal Robina Corporation (URC).
Upon arrival, the passengers were required to follow current health protocols, including a mandatory 15-day/14-night quarantine stay in a pre-booked, accredited facility.
Another RT-PCR test will be taken in seven days.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) shouldered the cost of quarantine accommodation and testing for land-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) while the Philippine Port Authority covered the cost for sea-based OFWs.
CEB coordinated with Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ)- accredited hotels to ensure adequate facilities for OFWs and their dependents.
The accredited hotels for the September 27 flight were Go Hotels Airport, Go Hotels Ortigas, Holiday Inn Galleria, Sheraton RWM and Go Hotels North Edsa.
For the September 29 Bayanihan flight, the accredited hotels were Go Hotels Ortigas, Go Hotels Ermita, Eurotel North Edsa and Lub d Makati.