Travellers flying to the Philippines must wear face shields, say airlines

The full face coverings are to be worn in addition to face masks on Cebu Pacific and AirAsia flights from August 15

A Cebu Pacific crew member wears a face shield. From August 15, passengers on the airline must also wear the protective gear. Courtesy Cebu Pacific 

People travelling to the Philippines on some airlines must now wear face shields, as well as masks, on flights.

Cebu Pacific, the country's largest national carrier, announced the new rules after the Philippine government said face shields must be worn on all public transport.

The airline said the rule extends to anyone travelling on the Dubai to Manila route, and that the shields must cover the whole face.

"This is on top of the mandatory use of face masks upon entering the airport terminal until arrival of passengers at their destination," the airline said in a statement.

Cebu Pacific will enforce the rule from Saturday, August 15.

The airline has already implemented a number of safety procedures on all its flights.

These include daily extensive cleaning and disinfection on all aircraft and facilities, and several contactless procedures such as self-service check-in and no-touch boarding.

AirAsia Philippines also said its passengers will be required to wear face shields throughout their entire flight, after the government's latest announcement.

Travel restrictions to the Philippines remain in place. Since August 1, the only foreign nationals able to enter the country have been those holding long-term visas.

Foreign spouses, children travelling with a Filipino national and members of international organisations already accredited to the Philippines, are exempt from this restriction.