Cebu Pacific cites rainy season amid passenger complaints on alleged last-minute flight cancellations
Budget carrier Cebu Pacific cited the challenges of flying during the rainy season—in light of netizens ranting on social media about alleged last-minute and random flight cancellations.
In a statement provided to PhilSTAR L!fe, Cebu Pacific said that with the rainy season officially starting, the period "may dampen plans for many air travelers."
"If a Lightning Red Alert is imposed at the airport, all flight and ground operations are suspended until the alert is lowered to a Lightning Yellow Alert, indicating the resumption of flight operations," it said. "The suspension may lead to consequential delays and sometimes, cancellations."
The carrier noted that it "always prioritizes" the safety of not only its passengers but also its crew and airport workers.
"Nevertheless, Cebu Pacific remains committed to hearing from their passengers and to flying them safely to their destinations," it said.
Cebu Pacific asked passengers to reach out via Facebook, Twitter, or its official website's guest feedback form.
Over the past few days, netizens in lengthy posts complained about unexpected issues with their flights.
One Facebook user recalled getting an email on June 3 stating that their scheduled flight from Davao to Manila on June 8, 9:05 a.m., would be moved to 11:25 p.m. that day because their plane had to be a smaller one, as chosen via “computer generated draw lots."
The user said they rebooked their flight to June 7, at 2 a.m., only for it to be canceled at 5 a.m. due to the unavailability of the aircraft because of ongoing maintenance. There were further reschedules and cancellations, and they were only able to leave the airport at 8 p.m., or after over 20 hours.
Another Facebook user, meanwhile, said they have a scheduled June 13 flight from Davao to Cebu to Incheon in South Korea, but was informed on June 12 that it would be canceled. Their only option was an 8:30 a.m. flight that day.
Once at the airport, the user said they got another message saying the flight would be moved to June 18.
They were fortunate to have made arrangements to catch the earliest flight possible to Incheon ahead of June 18, but had to shell out additional money for tickets and payment to keep their canceled hotel booking.
Antonio Contreras, in a column for The Manila Times on June 13, also recalled flying from Manila to Iloilo on June 6 and vice versa on June 10.
While his initial flight went well albeit rescheduled, Contreras said it was his return flight that had issues.
He recalled receiving an email dated June 7 stating his June 10 flight would be rescheduled to June 12 "due to additional requirements needed by the flight."
"In short, I was off-loaded and bumped off," he said.
The cases have caught the attention of senators, including the Senate Committee on Tourism, and public services called for an investigation in aid of legislation on June 21.
PhilSTAR L!fe also reached out to the Civil Aeronautics Board for comment, but has yet to receive a reply.
