Philippines Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
- Website: https://www.caap.gov.ph
- Contact: CAAP: odg@caap.gov.ph; Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB): https://www.cab.gov.ph
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Prior permission required. Private non-revenue flights also require landing permits. CAA will verify private non-revenue status if passengers are being picked up, as cabotage is strictly prohibited.
Prior permission required from both CAAP and CAB. FAOC required for charter/non-scheduled landings (2-3 weeks processing). Specific charter permit requirements with dual authority approval. Recommend local agent assistance.
Scheduled operations require Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) from CAB plus CAAP operational approval.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
- Lead Time: 48 hours minimum prior to scheduled departure
- Validity: 72 hours from initial requested schedule
- Fees: Navigation charges apply based on route flown in Manila FIR
Overflight clearance processed through CAAP Air Transport Department. AFTN must be included in flight plan.
Apply to CAAP Air Transport Department at least 48 hours prior to departure with complete flight details, aircraft documentation, and crew/passenger information.
Landing Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)
- Lead Time: 7 business days minimum recommended; 2-3 weeks for FAOC processing
- Validity: 72 hours from initial requested schedule; revisions take 1-3 days
- Fees: Separate permit fees apply from both CAAP and CAB; airport landing and parking charges additional
Dual permit system: requires permits from both CAAP (safety/operational) and CAB (economic/commercial). Charter/non-scheduled landings require Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC) which takes 2-3 weeks. Local agents can help obtain landing permit while FAOC is being processed.
Apply to both CAAP and CAB. For charter ops, submit FAOC application (Form available from CAAP) with required documents through local Philippine agent. Include Air Operator Certificate and worldwide insurance documentation. Local agent strongly recommended for smoother processing.
Cabotage
Strictly prohibited for foreign operators; CAA verifies private non-revenue status when passengers picked up domestically
General Remarks
Philippines has one of the most complex permit processes in Asia with dual authority (CAAP + CAB) requirements. FAOC requirement for charter operations adds significant lead time. Using a local Philippine agent is strongly recommended. Permit fees can add up due to multiple authorities.