DOTr awaits airline explanation for torn passport incident

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is awaiting an explanation from Cathay Pacific regarding an incident where a passenger's passport was allegedly torn by airline staff at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The incident resulted in the 65-year-old passenger being denied boarding for Cathay Pacific Flight CX948 to Dubai on April 24, 2025.

The passenger claimed that airline ground personnel offered no immediate assistance or explanation after the passport was torn.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) had ordered Cathay Pacific to submit a formal explanation by May 1, 2025.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the government's mandate for airlines to prevent tampering with travel documents and urged personnel to handle their duties with responsibility and respect.

The DOTr is actively monitoring the situation to ensure passenger rights are protected.