Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) announced on Friday it is suspending flight operations in Cotabato due to the pending completion of asphalt overlay repairs at the runway of Awang Airport.
The CEB management decided to suspend operations at the airport, saying some repairs need to be completed on the runway for the safety of air travelers before it can resume flights.
The following flights will not operate until further notice: 5J 885 and 886 Manila – Cotabato – Manila; and 5J 887 and 888 Manila – Cotabato – Manila.
Passengers booked on these flights will be rerouted to and from Davao International Airport. Additionally, the airline will operate several recovery flights between Manila and Davao from August 19 to 23, as well as a Davao-Manila flight on August 21.
CEB offers flight rebooking and rerouting, travel fund storage, and refund options through its Manage Booking portal.
“We apologize for any inconvenience and will provide updates as needed,” the airline stated.
Last month, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines made a statement, saying it is hastening the ongoing expansion and repair
works at Cotabato Airport to meet its August deadline set by the Department of Transportation.
The construction of the airport’s passenger terminal building was one of the topics discussed by CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo
and DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista when they visited the airport and met the officials of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
and Airport Authority.
The P45.5 million expansion project, which is expected to be finished by August 30, covers the civil, architectural, mechanical, electrical,
and plumbing works.
Once completed, the airport’s capacity will be increased, accommodating 360 passengers at any given time, compared to its
previous capacity of 250 passengers. The expansion will alleviate congestion and provide a more comfortable environment for travelers.
The repairs and expansion at Cotabato Airport are in line with CAAP and DOTr’s commitment to meet the highest safety standards in its
airports, delivering a safe, secure, and comfortable airport experience.