The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is currently conducting an investigation into an incident involving a false fire alarm early Tuesday morning that resulted in the disruption of operations at the Air Traffic Management (ATM) Center.
A total of 59 commercial and cargo flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) experienced delays averaging 45 minutes prior to being authorized for departure.
Seven arriving flights were also affected.
The alarm was triggered around 1:24 a.m., prompting activation of the contingency plan and safety protocols and a temporary hold on departures.
Normal operations resumed by 2:50 a.m., with all restrictions lifted at 3:16 a.m.
CAAP Director General Raul Del Rosario said all contingency plans ensuring safety were properly observed and swiftly executed.
“We commend our air traffic controllers for their professionalism and quick response, which ensured that flight safety was never compromised and that operations returned to normal immediately. This incident underscores our continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and readiness,” Del Rosario said.
CAAP will conduct an internal investigation to prevent similar occurrences and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety, in accordance with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
