All scheduled domestic flights departing from and arriving at Manila Ninoy Aquino International airport have been suspended until at least August 18, 2020, due to the imposition of a new strict lockdown in the Filipino capital's metro area.
The so-called modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) is just marginally more relaxed than the strict rules previously imposed on other parts of the country. No private travel, even within the metro area, is permitted with only approved persons, mostly essential workers and people sourcing essential goods for their households, allowed to leave their homes.
According to the ch-aviation capacities module, airlines planned to operate 323 domestic flights departing from Manila during the week started on August 3, 2020, with a total of 49,410 departure seats on sale. The suspension affects Cebu Pacific Air together with Cebgo (the market leader with a 40.7% market share by capacity), Philippines AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, Skyjet Airlines, and AirSWIFT.
Due to the local nature of the measure, domestic flights operated from other airports, including Angeles City Clark International (located just 90 kilometres from Manila) will continue. However, residents of the area under the MECQ are not allowed to leave their homes and travel from Clark, unless they are in the exempted categories.
International flights to and from Manila continue with passengers subject to the same restrictions and quarantine requirements as before the imposition of the MECQ.
