THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered Cathay Pacific to provide a full explanation regarding an incident at Mactan-Cebu International Airport where a passenger was denied boarding after airline staff allegedly mishandled his passport.
The incident, which occurred on April 24, involved the alleged tearing of the passenger’s passport during the check-in process, rendering it unusable. Furthermore, the airline staff reportedly failed to offer any explanation or assistance to the affected passenger, who was scheduled to fly to Dubai.
The DOTr issued the order for an explanation on May 1st, 2025, demanding a detailed account of the incident from Cathay Pacific. GMA News Online is currently seeking comment from Cathay Pacific and will publish their response as soon as it becomes available.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has directed all airlines operating in the Philippines to implement strict measures to prevent any future instances of passport tampering at airports.
This directive follows recent reports of passport damage, prompting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to prohibit airport security personnel from handling passengers’ passports during terminal entry.
The incident highlights growing concerns about the security and handling of travel documents at Philippine airports. The DOTr’s firm response underscores the government’s commitment to protecting passenger rights and ensuring a smooth and secure travel experience for all.
The outcome of Cathay Pacific’s explanation and any subsequent action taken by the DOTr will be closely watched.
