CALOOCAN CITY, June 2 (PIA) -- Flag carrier Philippine Air Lines (PAL) has resumed international flights since June 1 and will be reopening commercial domestic flights starting June 3, an official said, Tuesday.

During the Laging Handa public briefing powered by the Presidential Communications and affiliate state media, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the airline has restarted a limited number of international and domestic routes as COVID-19 restrictions are eased in the country.

"The first day of resumption of flights on Monday went well. It had a Manila- San Francisco flight carrying US nationals, foreign tourists, US residents," Villaluna said.

"Domestic flights to begin Wednesday," she added, but cautioned that flight plans could change as COVID-19 conditions are continuously being monitored.

"If the situation allows. We will be operating flights to and from our Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo hubs," she said.

Villaluna said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Infectious and Emerging Diseases is set to announce the flight protocols, however, she said there's a testing mechanism already in place near airports upon arrival.

"There will be social distancing managers during check-in and boarding process as part of safety measures," she explained.

"The passengers with international flights must be at the airport four hours prior, and those with domestic flights must be there three hours prior. They should expect lines at every step of the process before boarding the plane," she added.

To further ensure the safety of passengers, she said, PAL aircrafts undergo a periodic "intensive disinfection" before each flight as part of preventive measures.

"Ang ating mga aircraft ay sumasailalim sa intensive disinfection after each flight. Cabin crew wear protective gear, will provide simplified food service," Villaluna said.

To recall PAL announced last week that key international and domestic flights are planned to resume this month. The airline initially plans to operate 21 international and 24 domestic routes. (PIA NCR)