The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued Memorandum Circulars 06-2022 and 07-2022 last 07 February 2022 further adjusting the quarantine protocols for flight and cabin crew members returning to the Philippines to include those who did layover in other countries.
The issuance of the said memoranda is aimed at mitigating personnel shortage and avoiding workforce and flight operations significant disruptions. Under the updated protocols:
- Flight and crew members are no longer required to undergo mandatory facility-based quarantine, but shall self-monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
- Air Operators must ensure compliance with the relevant public health regulations, policies and established measures.
- Transportation must be arranged by the air operator between the aircraft and the crew hotel (if needed), while ensuring the observance of physical distancing and other health protocols.
- At the staff accommodation, only one (01) crew member will be allowed to stay per hotel room; contact with other crew members is prohibited. The use of hotel common areas are also not allowed.
- Suspected COVID-19 positive crew members and those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms during layover or in transit must immediately report to the air operator and seek medical assessment for monitoring. They shall be repatriated by appropriate mode of transportation to their domicile/residence.
- For crew members who have been found negative of COVID-19 through evaluation in accordance with the said procedures, the air operator may arrange their transportation to their domicile/residence.
According to CAAP Director General Captain Jim Sydiongco, the updated protocols have been issued in response to DOTr Secretary Art Tugade‘s directive to address the current insufficiency of manpower faced by local air operators due to the possibility of their flight crews being exposed to COVID-19 positive individuals requiring quarantine.
