Philippines: Authorities to close airspace nationwide 02:00-04:00 May 17 /update 1

Event

Authorities in the Philippines will close the country's airspace nationwide 02:00-04:00 May 17 for maintenance works on its air traffic management system (ATMC). Officials have decided to shorten the closure duration to two hours from the originally planned 00:01-06:00. The maintenance works will affect flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Clark International Airport (CRK), Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), and 42 other airports under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Officials earlier suspended ATMC operations 02:00-04:00 May 3, causing flight delays of between 30 minutes to four hours for more than 20 domestic and international flights.

Flight disruptions are likely at airports across the Philippines May 17 during the scheduled airspace closure. Lingering flight delays could continue for several hours after normal flight operations resume as airlines work to clear backlogs.

Advice

Confirm flight schedules at airports in the Philippines May 17. Do not leave for the airport until onward travel is confirmed.