THE Bureau of Immigration reminded travelers on Thursday that long lines are expected at immigration counters as thousands of passengers are expected to take advantage of the long weekend to head to their hometowns and visit their departed loved ones during the upcoming Undas.
However, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado assured the public that the agency will be in full force at all international airports nationwide to process the entry and exit of passengers and attend to their other needs.
‘We advise travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight to avoid delays,’ Viado said.
The BI chief said the agency expects a surge of passengers at major airports beginning Friday through the following week, considering that October 31 had been declared a special non-working holiday,
‘All immigration counters will be fully manned to ensure smooth processing of arriving and departing passengers,’ Viado pointed out.
The BI has also deployed additional personnel and implemented measures to maintain efficient passenger movement despite the expected increase in travelers.
‘Our officers will be working round-the-clock to accommodate the influx of passengers during the Undas break,’ Viado said.
While ongoing airport improvement works may slightly affect movement in some terminals, operations will continue as usual, he added.
‘The Bureau is coordinating closely with airport authorities to ensure that despite construction and facility upgrades, services remain uninterrupted,’ the BI chief stressed.
‘We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as these improvements are meant to enhance the overall airport experience,’ he added.