Cathay Pacific ordered to address passport mishandling issue

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), has asked Cathay Pacific to explain a reported incident involving a damaged passport that prevented a 65-year-old passenger from boarding a flight at Mactan-Cebu International Airport last April 24.

According to CAB’s report, the passenger was scheduled to fly to Dubai via Flight CX948 when the airline staff allegedly tore the passport during the check-in process, making it unfit for travel.

The passenger claimed that no explanation or assistance was given by the staff, who simply resumed checking in other travelers.

Cathay Pacific was given until Thursday to submit its formal response.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that no airline personnel should intentionally tamper with any passport and reminded all airport staff to exercise proper conduct when inspecting travel documents.

In a related move, New NAIA Infra Corp. announced that passengers entering Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals are no longer required to present passports at entrance gates. Security personnel have been instructed not to handle passports; instead, travelers may show any valid ID or travel document, which they must hold themselves.

Passport verification, the management clarified, will now be strictly done at airline check-in counters, by immigration officers, and at boarding gates.