06 Apr 2018 | 02:34 AM UTC
Philippines: Airlines reduce flights to Boracay beginning April 26 /update 1
Multiple regional airlines reduce number of flights to Boracay following island’s closure to tourists for six months beginning April 26
Event
Multiple airlines, including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia Philippines announced on Thursday, April 5, that they would temporarily reduce flights to the island of Boracay due to the island’s closure to tourists for six months starting April 26. Two daily round trip flights to the island will continue for the island’s permanent residents during the tourism ban.
Context
President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a temporary ban on tourism on the island of Boracay, one of the Philippines' most popular tourist destinations, for a period of six months starting April 26 to allow for infrastructure improvements. The order was issued after it came to light that many of the establishments on the island do not have proper sewerage systems and are emptying their waste directly into the sea. As of April 5, local authorities have already begun dismantling illegal structures erected in forests and on the beach.
The 1064-hectare island has a permanent population of 56,000 and attracts some 2 million visitors annually.
Advice
Individuals present in the Philippines are advised to reschedule planned travel to Boracay and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.
