The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) successfully completed a critical upgrade of its Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system on Monday, without any operational disruptions or flight diversions.
According to CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio, the process began at 12:31 a.m. and concluded smoothly within the scheduled timeframe.
By 3:01 a.m., all airport operations had resumed as normal, and the temporary flow control measures were lifted at 3:05 a.m.
During the upgrade, air traffic was effectively managed as international overflights 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,” said Apolonio.
This upgrade marks a significant milestone in launching an improved Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) software version, which 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 Ninoy Aquino International Airport alone due to a power failure encountered by equipment at the ATMC. More than 20 provincial airports were also impacted.
