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29 March 2024

Jet Airways blocked by Philippines

Published
By Correspondent

The Philippines has denied the applications of Oman Air and India’s Jet Airways to fly to Manila, owing to the limited capacity of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“We are denying foreign airlines, such as Oman and Jet Airways…” an unnamed source at the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) was quoted as saying by ‘The Philippine Star’ on Tuesday. “It is not that the market is becoming less vibrant. It is due to the infrastructure.”

Oman Air and Jet Airways had filed separate applications with the CAB for the issuance of Foreign Air Carrier’s Permit (FACP), in order that they could operate international scheduled air transportation services to and from the Philippines.

Spring Airlines Co Ltd, which is based in China, is also reportedly seeking a similar permit from the Philippine government.

Having started operations in 1993, Oman Air, the flagship company of the Sultanate of Oman’s Civil Aviation sector, now has a fleet of 15 Boeing 737-800, seven Airbus A330, and four Embraer E-175. Spring Airlines operates 33 Airbus A320 aircraft.

The ‘Star’ also quoted other sources as saying that the temporary imposition of a moratorium on the issuance of permits to foreign airlines also had considered the fact that the other airports across the country could not accommodate night flights.

“Most airports in the country are not night rated and are limited to daytime operations in many airports,” the report quoted one of the sources. “Most of the domestic flights are connecting to Manila.”

CAB, which issues FACP to foreign airlines so they may operate in the Philippines, has granted permits to 39 overseas airlines as at end-2012. It is also tasked to issue Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to domestic airlines to allow them to mount flights within the country.