The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has clarified that no new travel or security advisory has been issued by U.S. authorities against the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA | MNL | RPLL) or any other airport in the Philippines. This statement follows the circulation of a social media post showing an outdated travel advisory from 2018, which was mistakenly displayed at Sacramento International Airport (SMF | KSMF) in California.
Although the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally lifted the 2018 advisory in August 2019 — recognizing the Philippines’ compliance with international aviation security standards — the outdated notice continued to appear in some U.S. airports due to an oversight by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Originally issued over security concerns, the advisory was rescinded following substantial upgrades to airport security. Despite this, TSA Sacramento inadvertently kept the outdated advisory visible on its airport displays.
According to the DOTr, Secretary Vince Dizon promptly contacted TSA authorities to address the issue. After consulting with TSA officials in Manila, it was confirmed that the erroneous advisory was mistakenly included in airport monitors. TSA took immediate action and confirmed that the advisory was removed at 0900H PhST today to prevent further confusion.