The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has announced that it will no longer issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the no-fly and no-drone zones in the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo Church during this year’s “Traslacion” or procession of the image of the revered Black Nazarene on January 9.
The CAAP explained that the said areas fall within the “RP-P1”, a restricted airspace where both lateral and vertical flying are prohibited within a two-nautical-mile radius and up to 5,500 feet from Malacañang Palace.
“Since unauthorized flights, including drones, are already banned in this permanently restricted zone, CAAP does not see the need for an additional NOTAM specific to the Traslacion event,” the agency said.
In Philippine aviation, the CAAP explained that the term “RP-P1” refers to “Restricted Area Philippines-1”, an established airspace restriction zone for safety and security purposes.
CAAP said that “RP” stands for Republic of the Philippines, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) country code for the Philippines.
Meanwhile, “P1” refers to a specific restricted airspace which encompasses the area surrounding Malacañang Palace and adjacent government sites.
“CAAP underscores its commitment to maintaining secured and controlled airspace, particularly during large public events like the Traslacion,” the agency said.