The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) estimated that there would be around 170,000 to 200,000 passengers in ports on Sunday, the final weekend before the return of most of the workers and students back to their work or classes.
“Based on the statistics last year, we expect around 170,000 to 200,000 passengers in ports today (Sunday). Since we started our monitoring during the Christmas season, the daily average of passengers that we have accommodated in ports nationwide does not reach below 160,000 except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day because most of the passengers did not travel to celebrate the holiday,” Ricafrente said.
The PCG spokesman admitted that the schedule of trips in ports has yet to return to normal due to the surge in the number of passengers.
“In our estimate, this surge may last until Monday or Tuesday. Hopefully in the coming days, the number of passengers will not be that high so that the trips could return to normal,” Ricafrente noted.
Meanwhile, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) management expressed its readiness to accommodate the surge in the number of passengers returning from their holiday travels.
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines and their personnel remain on high alert and on standby at key airports to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers as they anticipated a peak in passenger numbers starting yesterday.
AirAsia Philippines said that from Dec. 16, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025, the airline served over 400,000 passengers, significantly surpassing its projected count of 300,000 for the period.
"This shows that Filipinos are gradually regaining their enthusiasm for travel. We expect a continuous increase in passenger traffic at our check-in counters until January 10th, as many of our kababayans have extended their holiday leave to enjoy more time with their loved ones in the provinces," AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head First Officer Steve Dailisan said.
The carrier remains fully prepared even after the holidays into the upcoming lively fiesta season in key destinations like Kalibo, Cebu, and Bohol.