The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced Tuesday the cancellation of at least eight domestic flights due to bad weather conditions brought by Typhoon Kristine.
Four Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights to and from Daraga at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and four other flights of Cebu Pacific (CEB) and its sister airline CebGo to and from Masbate and Virac have been canceled, affecting more than a thousand passengers.
According to CAAP information officer Karen Villanda, CEB commercial flights DG 6177 and DG 6178 in Masbate have been canceled, affecting 140 passengers. She added that moderate to heavy rainfall with light to moderate winds has reduced visibility in the area.
In Virac Airport, moderate to heavy rainfall with light to moderate winds continues. CEB suspended two flights (MNL – VRC) and (VRC – MNL), affecting 258 passengers.
The Bicol Region, including Albay, is placed under Tropical Storm Signal No. 1, and light rains and light to moderate winds are being experienced across the area.
Cancelled flights were PAL flights PR 2925 (MNL – DRP), PR 2926 (DRP – MNL), PR 2923 (MNL-DRP), and PR 2924 (DRP-MNL), affecting a total of 606 passengers.
CAAP stated that Tacloban is also experiencing continuous rainfall accompanied by moderate to heavy winds since last night.
“The city is currently experiencing a blackout. Flight operations at Calbayog Airport have been suspended, while Catarman Airport has canceled its scheduled flights,” it added.
CAAP Director General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo reminds all Area Center Managers of the strict enforcement of the ban on light aircraft operations during inclement weather to ensure safety.