Cebu Pacific's Contingency Plan for Tarmac Delays

Cebu Pacific hereby adopts this tarmac delay contingency plan, effective 15 March 2024. This is in response to the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 001 issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT), Civil Aeronautics Board of the Philippines (CAB), the Philippine Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) 

 

Definitions 

A ‘tarmac delay’ occurs when: 

 

• An aircraft has been held on the ground for two (2) hours or more after the aircraft doors are closed (for departing flights), or after landing (for arriving flights), and;
• Guests cannot deplane, whether due to safety or security reasons, or as determined by air traffic control. 

 

Responsibilities of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) 

In cases of tarmac delays, the PIC will ensure the comfort and convenience of the passengers on board the aircraft, and will provide them timely and adequate updates on the nature and cause of any delay every thirty (30) minutes. 

 

Deplaning or Diversion Procedures 

Once the delay reaches the three (3) hour mark, the PIC will immediately commence deplaning procedures unless: 

 

• The PIC determines that deplaning may pose a safety or security risk, and receives certification or confirmation of said risks from the relevant authorities;
• Air traffic control advises the pilot that returning to the gate or permitting passengers to disembark elsewhere will disrupt airport operations;
• The PIC receives either a notice from air traffic and/or airport ground or ramp control, through ATIS (automatic terminal information service) or other recognized means of aeronautical communication, advising that the flight can depart within thirty (30) minutes after breaking the three (3) hour threshold; 
• The PIC receives a notice from air traffic, ground, or ramp control confirming that the flight can depart within 30 minutes after the three (3) hour mark;
• The relevant airport authority advises the PIC that there is no available sanitized area to hold deplaned passengers. 
  
  

Cebu Pacific, in compliance with mandated crew hours, along with any of the circumstances listed above, may if it deems is safer and more efficient, choose to return to the origin airport, or deplane at a diversion airport. 

 

Adequate Food and Potable Water 

Once the delay reaches the two (2) hour mark, the PIC will commence the distribution of sufficient food and beverages to affected passengers.  If supply is limited, distribution will prioritize: 

 

• Passengers with special needs 
• Passengers with small children
• Senior citizens and expectant mothers. 
  
  

If food supply is limited, the Cabin Crew shall coordinate with the relevant Ground Personnel and Customer Journey Managers to request additional food and water provisions. For international flights, unserved pre-ordered meals may also be distributed. 

 

Lavatories and Facilities 

Cebu Pacific shall endeavor for following facilities to be available while the aircraft is on the tarmac: 

 

• Working lavatory facilities;
• Satisfactory air conditioning;
• Accessible emergency medical services, as needed. 

 

Airport Accommodation 

In the event of a deplaning, the Network Control Center (NCC) and/or Customer Journey Manager (CJM) will coordinate with the relevant authorities and ensure that the station: 

• Has adequate resources and an adequate sanitized area;
• Is prepared to meet the ground servicing requirements for:
  • Passengers with special needs;
  • Passengers with small children;
  • Senior citizens and expectant mothers;
  • Unaccompanied minors, and;
  • Passengers with connecting or onward flights;
• Has adequate food and potable water;
• Has communication services available to passengers.  

 

The NCC / CJM will also provide deplaned guests with timely and adequate updates on the nature and cause of any delay every thirty (30) minutes. If the flight is cleared to push through to its destination, the Station Head/Representative or his designated deputy shall recommence boarding procedures. 

 

Use of Business Phone 

Passengers who have deplaned from their flights shall be provided with communication services through the station’s official business phone, which they may use to contact relatives or make any necessary arrangements for their subsequent flights or onward destinations. 

 

Reporting to the CAB/CAAP 

Cebu Pacific will present adequate and reasonable evidence of any safety, security, or operational limitations that prevented the deplaning of passengers, along with an automated report to the CAB/CAAP within three (3) days of a lengthy tarmac delay.