THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has successfully completed a crucial upgrade of its Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system without any operational disruptions or flight diversions.
According to CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio, the installation process went on smoothly and was finished within the scheduled timeframe. By 3:01 a.m. Monday, all airport operations had resumed as normal, and the temporary flow control measures were lifted five minutes later.
Throughout the upgrade, air traffic was effectively managed as international flights safely traversed the Philippine Flight Information Region under procedural control provided by the Manila Area Control Center.
“All departures and arrivals nationwide were efficiently managed, ensuring that flights reached their destinations safely and on time,” Apolonio said.
This upgrade marks a significant milestone in the launch of an improved Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) software version that enhances the efficiency, safety, and reliability of air traffic management across Philippine airspace.
On January 1, 2023, New Year’s Day, a shutdown of the country’s airspace affected more than 360 flights and 65,000 passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport alone amid a power failure encountered by the equipment at the ATMC. More than 20 provincial airports were also affected.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “CAAP completes system upgrade without disruption.”
