President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure passengers affected by flight disruptions can rebook their flights for free, receive full refunds, or convert their tickets into travel credits, without additional charges or penalties.

According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon is coordinating with airlines to protect passengers’ welfare and ensure those affected by flight cancellations related to the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit do not incur additional expenses.

Dizon said during a press conference earlier that no international flight cancellations were expected, although some delays could occur as flights carrying ASEAN delegates would be given priority.

The DOTr chief said some flights could be affected by heightened security operations in Metro Manila, particularly at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), where most visiting foreign leaders are expected to arrive for the upcoming ASEAN Summit,

However, airlines have been directed to offer affected passengers options including free rebooking with all fees and penalties waived, a full refund at the ticket price, and conversion of their booking into a travel fund that can be used for future trips. Presidential News Desk