STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF AIRLINES OPERATING AT MACTAN-

CEBU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DURING THE NEW NORMAL.

Introduction :

Problem Statement: This paper aims to evaluate the problems faces by the aviation
industry during the time of the pandemic to specifically answer the following.

A. What are the safety measures in place to ensure health and saftey of passengers

 Mactan-Cebu International Airport ready to restart operations with

enhanced safety measures
Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) and GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu
Airport Corporation (GMCAC) are ready to resume full operations at the Mactan-Cebu
International Airport (MCIA) with safety measures already in place at both Terminals 1
and 2. This is in preparation for the expected ease of travel restrictions and the
resumption of airline flight services.
According to GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Acquaah-Harrison, the operating
procedures and overall airport environment of MCIA have been modified for the “new
normal”, while staff have been re-trained in its implementation in adherence with the
guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious
Diseases (IATF-EID), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of
Transportation (DOTr).
A person standing in front of a television playing a video game Description automatically
generated“As we experience a new norm in traveling, we will keenly observe how
passengers will react to the new environment and make adjustments when necessary.
At the same time, we ask the passengers and staff for their cooperation and
understanding as we implement these new measures for their well-being and safety,”
said Harrison.
Health and safety measures for passengers and airport staff
Passengers and airport staff are directed to strictly observe these measures while inside
MCIA:
1. Strictly adhere to social distancing protocols and follow the visual markers placed
in different locations. Always stay in the right lane when walking.
2. Wear face masks and other PPE within the airport vicinity and inside the
terminals.
 3. Comply with body temperature checks conducted by the security personnel at all
airport entry points.
4. Regularly sanitize their hands and disinfect shoes using provided hand sanitizers
and footbaths placed at common passenger areas
5. Limit send-off parties at the departure area to one companion only regardless of
the number of passengers traveling together.
6. Be honest and provide correct information when filling out health declaration
forms.
7. Read COVID-19 health information materials posted in strategic locations of the
terminal.
8. Listen to PA announcements for health and safety reminders.

B. How do the airline companies cope up with the limited number of flights due to
country closures and banned flights?

Mactan-Cebu International Airport implements “new normal” measures

 GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) is ramping up
preparations for the “New Normal” travel experience at the Mactan-Cebu
International Airport (MCIA) in adherence to the guidelines of the Inter-
Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases
(IATF-EID) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The guidelines
issued by both agencies are intended to protect the well-being of the
public against the continuing threat of COVID-19.
“GMCAC and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA)
are implementing stringent preventive health and safety measures
at MCIA. This is in preparation for the lifting of travel restrictions and the
resumption of flight services in line with airline schedules,” said GMCAC
Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Acquaah-Harrison.
Stringent Safety Measures
Harrison asked for the public’s cooperation in the implementation of these
measures at the airport. In particular, he requested for the public’s support
in limiting the number of well-wishers for departing passengers to one
companion per passenger. “This will go a long way in helping us avoid
close proximity crowding anywhere on the airport premises,” he said.
  Temporary Travel Restrictions for Inbound and Outbound Passengers

C. How ready are the airports in containing a situation if a passenger has been
found out to be COVID positive after the plane has landed?

Guidelines for Domestic & International Passengers arriving via the Mactan-Cebu
International Airport (MCIA)

 DOMESTIC

 INTERNATIONAL

Pre-departure Reminders
Pursuant to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious
Diseases (IATF) Resolution Nos. 96 and 97, all international passengers arriving at
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) shall observe the following arrival protocols
starting February 1, 2021.
BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED ARRIVAL
Before your scheduled arrival at MCIA and during check-in, ensure the following:
 For all types of passengers, complete the online MCIA Passenger Arrival
Registration Form via https://mactancebuairport.com/covid-19-registration within five
(5) days before your scheduled arrival date at MCIA. Take note of
your Barcode/Travel Reference Number (TRN) sent to your email address upon
completion of the form.
PASSENGER COVID TEST SUBMISSION FORM
 Adherence to the mandatory RT-PCR swab testing on the 5th day from the
arrival date at MCIA.
 For non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals, the following required
arrangements are shouldered by the passengers:
o A minimum of seven (7) days hotel booking confirmation at accredited
hotels. For the list of accredited hotels, click here or
visit https://bit.ly/MCIAAccreditedHotels.
o RT-PCR swab test cost of P4,100.00 paid upon arrival or pre-paid
LIST OF ACCREDITED HOTELS
WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT MCIA
For ease and smooth arrival at MCIA, follow the step-by-step guide to familiarize
yourself on the arrival and quarantine protocols:
Step 1. In-flight procedures. Prior to arrival, fill out the following forms distributed by
the airline crew while on flight:
 Health Declaration Form
 Immigration Arrival Card
Step 2. Arrival briefing. Upon arrival, undergo required briefing by the Bureau of
Quarantine (BOQ).
Step 3. Validation. Once briefing is done, proceed to the Validation Counter and
present the following:
 Barcode/Travel Reference Number (TRN)
 Passport
 Boarding Pass
 Health Declaration Form
Keep the printed barcode until the date of your scheduled swab test.
Step 4. Thermal scanning. Proceed to thermal scanning by the BOQ.
Step 5. Immigration clearance. Proceed to the Immigration counter for clearance.
Submit Immigration Arrival Card.
Step 6. At the Arrival Reclaim Hall. Proceed to the designated counters at the Arrival
Reclaim Hall:
 For OFWs: OWWA Counter for hotel accommodation assignment
 For non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals: Cashier counter for payment of
swab test (PHP and Visa card are accepted. For other currencies, proceed to the
foreign exchange counter at the arrivals area.)
Step 7. Claim luggage. Proceed to assigned reclaim belt to claim baggage.
Step 8. Designated waiting area. Proceed to the designated waiting area and wait for
a representative from the respective agencies for Customs clearance:
 OWWA for OFWs
 Accredited hotel representatives for returning non-OFW Filipinos and foreign
nationals
Step 9. Customs clearance. Proceed to Customs counter for clearance.
Step 10. Quarantine facility transfer. Proceed to your designated vehicle with your
respective agency representative for hotel or quarantine accommodation drop-off.
Step 11. Swab test day. On your swab test date scheduled five (5) days from your
arrival date, submit the printed barcode to the medical personnel then undergo swab
testing. The swab testing shall be performed at your designated quarantine facility.
Step 12. Releasing of test results. Test results are released within 24-48 hours via the
email address provided in the online registration form.
 If swab test result is positive, BOQ will coordinate with the passenger for specific
instructions. The passenger must comply with the mandated health, safety, and
treatment protocols of the DOH and BOQ.
 If swab test result is negative, the passenger will receive the test result via email
from the BOQ.
For inquiries on test result, please contact the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ)
via boq@gmcac.ph or call (032) 494-7000, 7688 to 7690.
Step 13. Home bound. If swab test result is negative, coordinate with your LGU for
further instructions on transport and completion of the remainder of the 14-day
quarantine. You may coordinate with your LGUs for pick up or arrange your own
transportation depending on the instructions of your LGU.
PREPAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR SWAB TEST
Pre-payment is encouraged to facilitate smooth process upon arrival. This is only for
non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals.
To pre-pay for the swab testing, follow the steps:
1. After completing your online registration and once you receive your barcode/TRN,
pay at least 48 hours before your scheduled arrival date. The following are the available
payment methods:
 Bank Transfer or Direct Deposits (Indicate the passenger’s full name and
arrival date in the details/notes section)

United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) – SM City Cebu Branch

Account Name: PRIME CARE CEBU
Account Number: 00-318-1044-220
Swift Code: UCPBPHMM
Contact details: Janna Ragas (0927 955 5568)
 Money Remittance Centers
You may ask someone to visit the following money remittance centers:
Palawan, Cebuana Lhuillier, M Lhuillier, LBC, Western Union, etc.
Payee: Janna Ragas (0927 955 5568)
 Other methods
You may ask someone to visit Prime Care Medical Clinic located at APM Mall,
across SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
2. Once payment is done, fill out the Prime Care Prepayment Form
via https://bit.ly/PrimeCarePrepayment Present the prepayment confirmation at
the Cashier Counter upon arrival. Cash and credit card are also accepted to
process payment.

LINK AND SOURCE OF INFORMATION: https://mactancebuairport.com/news/