New Regulation on Flight Delays

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is coming out with a resolution on passenger convenience in cases of long tarmac delays.

The following are the highlights of the resolution:

1. Resolution 49 requires airlines, foreign and domestic, thru their Piot-in-Charge (PIC) to immediately start deplaning procedures of passengers once tarmac delay hits two (2) hours. Tarmac delay count starts from the time aircraft door closes, whether before take off or after landing.

Domestic Flights – should be deplaned by the third hour
International Flights – should be deplaned by the fourth hour

2. In cases where passengers cannot be deplaned at the said time frame, the air carrier shall have burden of proof and present adequate and reasonable evidence.

Possible circumstances for not starting deplaning procedures after two-hours include:

· Safety and security related reasons (determined by Pilot-In-Command upon consultation with airport officials)
· Air Traffic Control (ATC) advises PIC disembarkation will significantly disrupt airport operations
· PIC receives notification the flight can depart within 30 minutes of two-hour threshold

3. Air carrier should provide adequate food and potable water no later two hours after delay

4. There should be operable lavatory facilities and medical attention when needed while aircraft is on tarmac

5. The PIC should give status update announcements to its passengers every thirty minutes starting from the first half hour of the delay.

6. After deplaning, airlines must provide as much as practicable, accommodation, when necessary, food and communication services, and give timely and accurate update to passengers regarding status of their flights

7. Air carriers or its ground handlers should make prior coordination with relevant government agencies such as BoC, BI, OTS etc. for any deplaning or disembarkation procedures

8. Air carriers should assign a point person or person of authority to monitor effects of delay, address passenger queries and provide passenger guidance on updates on status of delayed or cancelled flights


This resolution will be effective 15 days after publication.

Publication targeted for Wednesday, 31 August 2016

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