The Philippines recently announced a one-year deferment of the collection of landing/take-off and parking fees for domestic and international flights in all airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
In a statement, CAAP said the deferment of payment started on 12 March 2020 and will take effect until 12 March 2021.
For the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) — which operates the Philippines' major gateways — the collection of aeronautical fees of local air carriers has also been deferred for a period of one (1) year effective on 01 March 2020 billings.
Rental charges of all concessionaires operating at the terminals, including check-in counter charges are waived for two (2) months effective 15 March 2020 or until the scheduled end of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila on May 15.
The move is in line with government efforts to further support of the airline industry amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco also announced that the agency has extended the deferred collection of several fees and charges, including lease or rental fees from airport concessionaires.
The “rental holiday” he noted has been extended until 15 May 2020, following the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period in Metro Manila and other “high risk” areas in the country. A “rental holiday” was initially granted from 15 March to 30 April 2020.
“Further rental holidays will be discussed and possibly agreed upon as the situation progresses. At present, the threat of COVID-19 remains and continues to increase that’s why we have to act and help the airline industry recover,” Sydiongco added.
MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal also noted that interest charges for late settlement of account that fall due within the ECQ period are waived. MIAA is also not imposing interest on the deferred collection of May 2020 rental.
“The [MIAA] Board has approved these agreements to unload the burden that the airline industry experiences during this time, especially that the recovery is seen to build up slowly even after the COVID-19 situation subsides,” GM Monreal said.
