MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has urged airlines with flights emanating from Clark International Airport (CRK) not to impose transportation and rebooking fees to passengers affected by the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that hit parts of Luzon Monday afternoon.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, who visited the airport after the quake, asked airline representatives to coordinate with the department and the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) to address the situation.
“Sec. Tugade instructed the airlines to provide free food and drinks for affected passengers. He also asked the airline and airport personnel to extend utmost patience and courtesy,” said DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Goddes Hope Libiran in a text message to reporters.
Tugade also directed Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon to facilitate the issuance of special permits to bus companies, in order to provide shuttle services for affected passengers.
CIAC has ordered a 24-hour shutdown of the Clark International Airport effective 7:40 p.m. after the earthquake caused the suspension of local and international flights.
Seven persons suffered minor injuries when a part of the ceiling at the check-in lobby collapsed and were immediately brought for treatment at a nearby hospital, according to CIAC President Jaime Melo.
The earthquake caused no damage to the airport’s runway and taxiway, the CIAC crisis team reported.