More than 300 domestic flights could be affected by ASEAN Summit, says DOTr

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More than 300 domestic flights could be affected amid the arrival of world leaders in the Philippines for the 49th ASEAN Summit, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Tuesday.

In a “24 Oras” report by Bernadette Reyes, the department advised passengers to check their airlines' websites or contact them directly for the status of their flights.

Passengers with canceled flights are entitled to a free rebooking, a full refund, or the option to store the amount in a travel fund for future use, according to DOTr.

For individuals with unaffected flights, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon encouraged them to head to the airport earlier than usual to avoid delays.

“Plan your trip properly. Kung ang international [flight] ninyo dati two hours before, gawin ninyo nang tatlong oras kasi syempre may mga darating nang mga heads of state, medyo may disruption ng kaunti,” Dizon said.

(Plan your trip properly. If you usually arrive two hours before your international flight, make it three hours this time because with heads of state arriving, there will be minor disruptions.)

The ASEAN Summit is scheduled for November 16 to 18, 2026. However, passengers are already experiencing heavy congestion on roads near the airport.

“Grabe ang traffic talaga. Umalis kami 6:30 [a.m.] nakarating kami dito 9:30 [a.m.] galing sa North Caloocan,” Weng Villodes shared, who dropped off her child at the airport.

(The traffic is really terrible. We left North Caloocan at 6:30 a.m. and only arrived here at 9:30 a.m.)

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued traffic and road advisories for the upcoming Summit, including security exclusion zones, roads subject to stop-and-go schemes, and alternate routes for trucks.

A week away from the Summit, access to the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex has already been restricted, with only authorized personnel and vehicles allowed to enter the vicinity.

In Reyes’ report, some motorists are still adjusting to the new traffic advisories due to the lack of adequate road signage, though MMDA enforcers and police officers are on site to guide traffic flow.

Clearing operations

In preparation for the ASEAN Summit, the government has also implemented clearing operations, which Malacañang described as part of its security measures.

“Malaking bagay po na maipakita natin na tayo ay isang bansa na makapagbigay ng sapat na seguridad sa mga liderato na pupunta sa ating bansa. At dapat natin ipakita… ‘yung hospitality na nakapaloob sa Pilipino,” Palace Press Officer Under Secretary Claire Castro said.

(It is crucial that we demonstrate our capability to provide adequate security for the leaders visiting our country. We must also show... the hospitality inherent in Filipinos.)

Castro appealed to progressive groups to defer their rallies until after the summit.

“Kung anuman ‘yung maaapektuhan, kung may kinakailangan na transportasyon na maapektuhan ng gagawing pagra-rally ito ay tutugunan ng gobyerno," she added.

(Whatever may be affected, if there is any transportation affected by the planned rallies, the government is ready to address it.) –Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/NB, GMA News