Christmas Travel Surge: Busy Terminals and Airports as Filipinos Head for Holiday Destinations

The Christmas season in the Philippines has brought a significant surge in travel, with thousands of passengers filling bus terminals and airports. Bus terminals in Quezon City and Manila, especially those with routes to Visayas and North Luzon, are experiencing heavy passenger traffic, leading to extended waiting times. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has implemented measures to ease travel by allowing provincial buses to use EDSA and C5 roads, albeit with restrictions on boarding and alighting to prevent traffic obstructions.

The Philippine National Police has been deployed at various terminals to ensure peace, order, and passenger assistance. In the aviation sector, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is witnessing a record number of travelers, exceeding pre-pandemic figures. The airport, which is handling far beyond its capacity, is expected to receive over 140,000 passengers by Saturday. This influx of travelers indicates a return to normalcy and a resurgence in holiday travel post-pandemic, highlighting the need for enhanced infrastructure and equipment to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

This increase in holiday travel reflects the cultural importance of Christmas in the Philippines and the eagerness of Filipinos to reunite with families and loved ones during this festive season.