DOTr projects 150K daily travelers at NAIA during Holy Week 2025

MANILA. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is anticipating a major surge in travelers during Holy Week 2025, with an estimated 150,000 passengers expected to pass through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) daily, according to Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, Dizon said efforts are underway to ensure a safe and seamless travel experience for passengers amid the Holy Week rush.

“Napakadaming dumadagsa sa ating mga airports ngayon. Sa NAIA lang, baka ine-estimate na aabutin ng 150,000 kada araw ang dadagsa sa ating mga airport na bibyaheng mga kababayan natin,” Dizon noted.

The transport chief said he has coordinated with San Miguel Corporation, which operates NAIA, and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to beef up resources and personnel. Additional staff have been deployed at check-in counters to manage queues, and driveway lanes have been doubled to ease vehicular traffic outside the terminals.

Packed Bus Terminals, Long Waits

The same passenger congestion is being felt at land terminals. At the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and Cubao stations, buses are reportedly fully booked, causing delays and travel disruptions for passengers bound for the provinces.

According to Darlene Cay’s report on “24 Oras Weekend,” some travelers headed for the Bicol Region were forced to postpone their trips due to the lack of available bus seats. On Saturday alone, PITX recorded 160,000 passengers, with similar numbers expected through the week.

“Marami na po yung mga nakapag-advanced booking pero hindi naman po ibig sabihin noon ay wala na po tayong biyahe sa PITX,” said Kolyn Calbasa, Senior Officer for Corporate Affairs at PITX.
“Marami pa rin naman po available trips dahil nagdagdag po ng mga buses or supply ang mga bus companies.”

Despite full bookings for air-conditioned buses bound for Camarines Norte in Cubao until Black Saturday, April 19, some routes remain open for walk-in passengers, including Tuguegarao and Olongapo.

Tightened Inspections and Port Monitoring

Over at the Batangas Port, the operator has begun working closely with the DOTr and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to issue special permits and increase ferry trips due to the heavy demand. On Sunday evening alone, 15,000 passengers departed and 5,000 arrived via the port.

“Kung hindi mababawasan ang pasahero ng tatawid papuntang Odiongan, tuloy tuloy ‘yan na parang kulang tayo ng isang barko palagi hanggang Huwebes Santo,” said Batangas Port manager Joselito Sinocruz in a report by GMA’s Dano Tingcungco.

Passengers were also seen lining up early to secure tickets for next-day trips to Mindoro, Romblon, and the Visayas. Some expressed surprise at the sheer volume of travelers.

As of Sunday, Malacañang’s declaration of April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday) as regular holidays and April 19 (Black Saturday) as a special non-working day, has contributed to the early exodus from Metro Manila.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been placed on heightened alert from April 13 (Palm Sunday) to April 20 (Easter Sunday) to ensure the safety of sea travelers.

Meanwhile, four shipping lines were barred by MARINA from operating during Holy Week due to safety violations, including absence of life jackets and damaged sirens. Authorities are also monitoring potential colorum trips, warning the public against boarding unregistered vessels.

“Sana ano, huwag na natin gawin ‘yun kasi very risky ‘yung ganyan, at your own risk po ‘yan sa mga kababayan natin,” Dizon warned in a separate “24 Oras Weekend” interview.
“Sinusugal nila ang buhay nila kasi siyempre, unang una, ‘pag ka kolorum, walang insurance ‘yan. Wala silang makukuhang kahit ano kung may mangyari.”

Strict Standards for Terminals

Secretary Dizon also reiterated the need for terminals to maintain clean and fully operational facilities, especially restrooms. He emphasized that the DOTr would not hesitate to take action against non-compliant terminals.

“Kailangan talaga mag-impose ng standards dito. At kung hindi sila mag-meet ng standards, either ipapasara ang mga terminal nila o isuspend muna,” he said.

As the Holy Week continues, all major transport hubs remain on high alert, with security and service personnel deployed in full force to manage the expected millions of Filipino travelers seeking to spend the holidays in the provinces.