As part of sweeping changes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) has introduced new protocols for "very important persons" (VIPs) passing through the Philippines' main aerial gateway.
The new protocols, implemented starting this Thursday, October 10, aims to curb "misuse" of VIP courtesies, as well as provide a safe and seamless travel experience for high-profile travelers.
"Our ultimate goal is to create a seamless and efficient airport experience where the need for VIP treatment, beyond what is necessary for dignitaries and those with critical functions, becomes unnecessary. We want every traveler to enjoy an effortless journey through NAIA, regardless of their status," NNIC said in a statement.
According to NNIC, the VIP privileges, which were intended for dignitaries and other important individuals, were easily accessible in the past for P800.
For that amount, NNIC said, any passenger could bypass regular procedures. This not only created potential security vulnerabilities but also led to operational inefficiencies and an unfair advantage for those who could afford to pay.
Among key changes in the protocol, VIP courtesies and accommodations will now be exclusively handled by NNIC's VIP Assistance Personnel.
Meanwhile, non-passengers will no longer be permitted to provide meet-and-greet services or accompanying departing VIPs and Important Persons (IPs).
VIP entourages will be limited to essential personnel to ensure efficient processing and reduce disruptions, while access and annual passes previously issued for facilitation purposes will be evaluated on a per-case basis, replacing the previous annual pass system.
To discourage non-essential use and manage demand, the NNIC will introduce tailored fees for passengers not classified as VIPs or IPs but seeking similar services such as international performers and other high-profile passengers.
"This is consistent with global practices at major airports where premium services are priced at a higher rate, to limit requests while ensuring availability for those who really require them," NNIC said.
NNIC said it will continue to provide secure and efficient travel service for VIPs and IPs, which include high-ranking officials, dignitaries, and foreign representatives because of the following reasons:
- - High-ranking officials often require enhanced security measures to mitigate potential threats.
- - Providing courtesies to foreign dignitaries is standard diplomat practice and follows national protocol.
- - Expedited processing for travel is necessary for officials with critical responsibilities to the nation.
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