DOT arranges mercy flights for 500 stranded tourists in Boracay

As many as 500 foreign tourists were stranded in Boracay Island and unable to return home due to travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has arranged mercy flights to help stranded travelers, with four flights departing on March 21 and 22.

These flights typically depart from Caticlan airport to Clark International Airport, where travelers can then access government repatriation services.

Another 500 tourists remained on the island and were scheduled for another flight on March 26.

Some foreign tourists opted to remain on the island earlier, awaiting connecting flights from Manila.

Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista has assured that these remaining tourists are welcome and safe on Boracay Island.

The Russian Embassy is assisting over 100 Russian nationals with a repatriation flight from Boracay.