Airport passengers (File photo)
MANILA – About 9,240 passengers have been affected by the delays and consequent flight cancellations due to the technical issue with the navigational air traffic management system at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday.
Data from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) showed that as of 3 p.m., 48 flights -- 31 domestic and 17 international -- were affected.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued the advisory on the technical issue at 1:05 p.m., but MIAA Acting General Manager Eric Jose Ines said the airport experienced the glitch since 11:27 a.m.
The problem prompted CAAP to provide "longer separation of departing flights" to ensure safety and management operations, its advisory read.
At 2:02 p.m., CAAP said the problem was resolved and regular flight operations were being restored.
As flights were put on hold while authorities fix the problem, delays and cancellations were expected.
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) said the Air Traffic Management Control resumed operations at 2:21 p.m. However, delays, cancellations and disruptions are expected as airlines try to normalize operations.
The CEB has so far canceled 10 domestic 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
Affected passengers could avail of free rebooking without fare difference, for travel up to 30 days from the original flight schedule.
Tickets can be refunded or stored in a virtual CEB wallet.
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines said it is coordinating with aviation authorities the adjustments of flight schedules and clearances.
PAL's cancelled domestic flights include:
PR 2135/2136 Manila-Bacolod-Manila
PR 2045/2046 Manila-Caticlan-Manila
PR 2043/2044 Manila-Caticlan-Manila
PR 2823/2824 Manila-Davao-Manila (PNA)
