Airlines normalize operations after CAAP tech issues
The country's major airlines -- Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific (CEB), and Air Asia Philippines -- said they are working to normalize operations after the Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) experienced technical problems on Monday afternoon, May 20, resulting in cancelled and delayed flights nationwide.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) alerted airlines of the technical issue, suspending all aircraft operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 12 p.m.
CAAP allowed only limited flight operations. At around 2 p.m., the airlines said they were told that the issue had been resolved and normal navigation had resumed.
However, the airlines advised passengers to monitor their flight status, noting it will take some time to restore their operations to normal.
"We are closely coordinating with the aviation authorities on the adjustment of flight schedules and clearances," said PAL Spokesperson Cielo Villanuna.
Cancelled flights at PAL were: PR 2135/2136 Manila-Bacolod-Manila; PR 2045/2046 Manila-Caticlan-Manila; PR 2043/2044 Manila-Caticlan-Manila; and PR 2823/2824 Manila-Davao-Manila.
"Our airport staff have effectively managed the disruptions through timely announcements and updates mad through SMS, media partners, and social media. Air Asia expects the situation to normalize very soon," remarked Air Asia First Officer and Head of Communications Steve Dailisan.
Due to the incident, CEB advised its travelers to "expect delay, cancellations, and disruptions for the remainder of the day," as it coordinates with aviation authorities and undertakes necessary steps to restore flight schedules.
Only limited flight operations were permitted between midday and 2:21pm. The ATMC resumed operations at 2:21pm but it will take some time for operations to normalize. It said to expect delays, cancellations, and disruptions for the remainder of the day.
CEB is currently coordinating with aviation authorities and is undertaking necessary steps to restore flight schedules.
CEB said it has already cancelled the following flights: 5J 389/390: Manila – Cagayan De Oro – Manila; 5J 455/456: Manila – Iloilo – Manila; 5J 487/488: Manila – Bacolod – Manila; 5J 557/558: Manila – Cebu – Manila; 5J 955/956: Manila – Davao – Manila.
The passengers have been informed and provided options for rebooking or refunds, it added.