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Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines launches digital safety reports portal
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced that its new digital safety reports portal is now live and ready for use. As of yesterday, 1st July, the new portal is set to streamline the reporting of safety occurrences and support the timely identification and mitigation of aviation safety risks. Likewise, CAAP officials pointed out that the use of the portal also promotes transparency and information sharing among relevant agencies. Compliant with regulations In a news release published today, 2nd July, the CAAP said the mandate for the portal is compliant with Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR) and applies to all organisations, personnel, and individuals involved in reporting incidents related to aviation safety. Per the statement: "CAAP’s safety enhancement measure is part of the broader effort to ensure that the Philippines remains aligned with global aviation safety standards and best practices.” As such, it covers all certified and approved aviation entities, licensed aviation professionals, and any individual with direct knowledge of aviation safety occurrences. The portal enables submissions under two forms: mandatory reporting and voluntary reporting. Mandatory reporting covers aviation incidents, accidents, serious incidents, and other safety-related occurrences. Voluntary reporting, on the other hand, covers observations of latent conditions, insights on human factors, operational anomalies, unsafe situations, suggestions for safety improvements, and self-disclosure of non-compliance.
Hua Hin – Thailand’s Coastal Gem and the Future Blueprint for Tourism?
Photo: Thai tourism’s future blue print? We explore how Hua Hin might be used as a model for tourism recovery and innovation across the country Tucked along the Gulf of Thailand, just a few hours from Bangkok, Hua Hin remains one of the kingdom’s most alluring coastal towns—a sanctuary where timeless elegance meets serene simplicity. My recent stay in Hua Hin, beginning mid-May, reaffirmed the reasons I call this place my “happy place.” The gentle lapping of waves, early morning walks along the shoreline, and the peaceful cadence of tropical life offered a stark contrast to the world’s current uncertainties. From my vantage point at the Hyatt—overlooking lush gardens, lotus ponds, and the saltwater scent of sea air—Hua Hin reminded me of Thailand at its best: graceful, welcoming, and quietly resilient. A Season of Reflection This visit came at a particularly poignant time for Thailand. In March, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake in neighbouring Myanmar sent tremors through much of the region, shaking buildings in Bangkok and stirring unease across the kingdom. It was a stark reminder of how quickly the equilibrium of daily life can shift. Yet, as always, the Thai spirit endures. Communities rallied. The government acted swiftly. And across the tourism sector, new safety protocols and messages of reassurance were implemented. Hua Hin, with its royal legacy and gentle pace, felt like a fitting place to pause, reflect, and consider not only what’s been lost—but what may yet be regained. The Economic Engine at Risk Tourism has long been one of Thailand’s most potent economic engines, contributing nearly 20% of GDP and employing millions across both urban centres and rural provinces. Pre-pandemic, the sector generated over 3 trillion baht annually in direct and indirect revenue. With foreign arrivals dipping 1.75% year-on-year as of mid-May, and some analysts suggesting that annual tourism arrivals might only match last year’s figure—the immediate economic loss, against it’s planned revenue, is therefore staggering. In 2024, Thailand experienced a robust resurgence in its tourism sector, welcoming approximately 35.54 million international visitors—a 26.3% increase compared to 2023. This influx generated over 1.7 trillion baht (approximately USD 51.81 billion) in revenue, underscoring the sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic recovery. The top source countries contributing to this growth were China (6.7 million visitors), Malaysia (4.93 million), and India (2.12 million). Strategic government initiatives, such as visa exemptions for citizens of 93 countries significantly enhanced travel convenience and encouraged more visitors to choose Thailand. Domestically, Thai residents made approximately 198.69 million trips, contributing an additional 952.77 billion baht to the economy. Collectively, both international and domestic tourism activities in 2024 generated a total revenue exceeding 2.75 trillion baht, highlighting the sector’s substantial contribution to Thailand’s economic landscape. Looking ahead, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set ambitious targets for 2025, aiming to attract between 36 and 39 million international visitors and generate up to 2.23 trillion baht in tourism revenue. But the real danger lies in long-term erosion: not just of revenue, but of global competitiveness, investor confidence, and industry morale. Here’s the paradox, while the losses measure in the trillions, the required investment to pivot and rejuvenate the sector could be relatively modest in comparison. A government or private sector infusion of just 100–200 billion baht—a fraction of annual tourism revenues—could fund sweeping changes: from digitisation and marketing, to upskilling labour and creating crisis-resilient infrastructure. This is not just about plugging gaps, but about leveraging a slowdown to reimagine the future of Thai tourism. Five Possible Courses of Direction for Thai Tourism’s Next Chapter 1.Diversify Source Markets Beyond China and Russia Over-reliance on a few key markets makes the sector vulnerable to geopolitical and economic swings. Greater focus on India, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and high-spending travellers from the EU and North America can spread risk and increase average per-trip expenditure. 2.Develop Year-Round Domestic Tourism Incentives Supporting Thai travellers with seasonal incentives and domestic tourism campaigns can stabilise occupancy during shoulder and low seasons. Creating loyalty programmes or tax rebates for local travellers could go a long way. 3.Upgrade Infrastructure & Digitisation Seamless travel experiences—from e-visas to smart airports and real-time transport integration—are essential. Investment in AI-powered visitor services, multilingual content, and efficient public transport in tourist areas could elevate Thailand’s competitiveness overnight. Photo: Develop year-round domestic tourism 4.Promote Sustainable & Community-Based Tourism Eco-conscious travellers are looking for meaning, not just luxury. Hua Hin and similar towns can promote authentic, low-impact experiences—such as homestays, local crafts, and conservation tourism—while supporting rural economies and reducing overcrowding in hotspots. 5.Establish a National Tourism Innovation Fund A public-private investment vehicle could support SMEs in the hospitality and travel sectors with grants, training, and innovation hubs. Focus areas could include green tech, accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities, and wellness-oriented travel. Why Hua Hin Still Matters In an uncertain global landscape, Hua Hin continues to offer rare clarity, calm without sterility, tradition without the trappings of cliché. In Hua Hin I enjoyed peaceful afternoons by the lagoon pool and evenings filled with jazz and sea breezes, I rediscovered not only a destination—but a direction. The Thai tourism industry has been knocked off balance, yes—but it is not broken. With strategic thinking and modest but meaningful investment, it can rise stronger, smarter, and more inclusive than before. And towns like Hua Hin, quiet stars in the national constellation, will be vital in guiding that journey forward.
US$3.6 million allocated for expansion of Bacolod-Silay Airport
The local government of Bacolod in the Central Philippines welcomed an additional allocation worth US$3.6 million for the expansion of the Bacolod-Silay Airport The funding was approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) even as the US$798,000 rehabilitation of the airport’s passenger terminal is ongoing. The rehabilitation seeks to replace a number of outdated components and is set for completion in December of this year. In a statement issued over the weekend, Bacolod city mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said: “I thank CAAP for approving our request and allocating PHP205 million for the Bacolod-Silay Airport upgrade. This brings us closer to a safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airport for Bacolod and the rest of the province. We are committed to seeing these projects through for the benefit of our people.” Benitez added that he looks forward to upgrading the Bacolod-Silay Airport with the implementation of the latest development project, along with the current rehabilitation works and the support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). A necessary response In a letter addressed to Benitez dated 24th April of this year, CAAP director-general Raul Del Rosario said the additional allocation is in response to a request made by the mayor last 25th February for funding for the improvement and renovation of the Bacolod-Silay Airport. A portion of the approved allocation is specifically for improving and expanding the passenger terminal building to increase the check-in and pre-departure areas to accommodate the growing passenger demand. The remaining balance will be used to widen the access road for the fire station building.
Iloilo International Airport welcomes first direct Scoot flight from Singapore
Iloilo International Airport welcomed Scoot’s first direct Singapore-Iloilo flight early on Monday, 14th April. The inaugural flight from Singapore carried 107 passengers when it arrived in the Central Philippine city at 5:35am. This maiden flight for Singapore Airlines’ low-cost carrier was welcomed with a water cannon salute, local music, and refreshments. Subsequently, the return flight heading to Singapore flew out at 6:10am on the same day with 103 passengers. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) released a statement regarding the flight, declaring: "The new route reinforces Iloilo’s role as a regional gateway and is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in Western Visayas. CAAP continues to work closely with aviation partners to promote regional growth while upholding the highest standards of safety and service.”
Philippine senator points out need for upgrading aviation safety measures
Philippine senator Francis Tolentino reminded the country’s aviation and travel sectors of the need to upgrade aviation safety measures implemented among Philippine airports. Tolentino made his remarks during his radio programme on Monday, 30th December, the day after the deadly Jeju Air 7C2216 crash in South Korea. During the programme, Tolentino remarked: "Changes in the pattern and volume of migratory birds should be constantly tracked, especially since the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is located a few kilometers from Freedom Island, a protected bird sanctuary in Manila Bay.” Assurance from relevant authorities For their part, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) likewise assured the Filipino public of the ongoing upgrades to the country’s aviation safety protocols, particularly in preventing bird strikes. CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio who was a guest on Tolentino’s programme spoke about how the increasing population of migratory birds around airports and measures to mitigate bird strikes were among the topics discussed by the organisation in a recent seminar for airport safety personnel. Apolonio added that climate change is one of the factors considered by the agency in implementing measures to deter bird strikes on aircraft that are either taking off or landing at the country's airports.
Emirates Skywards and HSBC announce new co-branded credit cards in the UAE
The agreement was signed in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group and Sir Mark Tucker, HSBC Group Chairman, by Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards (right) and Dinesh Sharma, Regional Head of Wealth and Personal Banking (WPB), EMEA, HSBC (left). Attendees also included senior executives from both Emirates and HSBC including Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer (right) and Mohamed Al Marzooqi, UAE Chief Executive Officer, HSBC (left). Emirates Skywards has partnered with HSBC Bank Middle East to launch new cobranded credit cards in the UAE. Available in two versions – the Signature and the Infinite - the HSBC Emirates Skywards Credit Cards will offer more than 2.3 million UAE members a chance to earn more Skywards Miles on travel, lifestyle and everyday spends, as well as access to unique lifestyle experiences worldwide. All Skywards Miles earned on the HSBC Credit Cards will not expire for the lifetime of the card. The agreement was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group; Sir Mark Tucker, HSBC Group Chairman; and senior executives from both Emirates and HSBC. Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards said: “Emirates is renowned for offering customers outstanding value and the HSBC Emirates Skywards Credit Cards provide an extension of that promise. We’re very pleased to have partnered with one of the largest bank brands in the world and as two global powerhouses – we look forward to elevating the cobrand experience for our members in the UAE. The HSBC Emirates Skywards Credit Cards will offer customers a fantastic opportunity to boost their Miles earnings on-ground, for future spend on flight rewards with Emirates and partners airlines, flight upgrades, hospitality tickets at world renowned sporting events, and many more exclusive benefits.” Commemorating the partnership, Dinesh Sharma, Regional Head of Wealth and Personal Banking (WPB), EMEA, HSBC said: “The UAE has become a global epicentre of travel and lifestyle, and its status as an international hub has made it a magnet for talented professionals from around the world. HSBC’s customers are travel-minded, enterprising individuals with international ambitions, who will undoubtedly benefit from our new partnership with the award-winning Emirates and flydubai loyalty programme. The HSBC Emirates Skywards Visa Credit Cards are a passport for our customers to experience all the lifestyle and travel benefits that the UAE and the world can offer them, making their international journeys even more rewarding. HSBC is simply a proud intermediary.” The HSBC Emirates Skywards Infinite Credit Card offers members complimentary Silver Tier membership status during the lifetime of the card. Other benefits include: Sign-up bonus of 20,000 Skywards Miles upon annual fee payment. Earn 30,000 welcome bonus Skywards Miles after a minimum of AED 50,000 eligible spend within 60 days from the card issuance date. Skywards Miles earned on this card will not expire for the lifetime of the card. Complementary beach access at premium hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.* Access to exclusive offers across the UAE with HSBC Entertainer app. Complimentary subscription to Careem+. Discounts on Amazon and select cinemas across the UAE, Discounts on international roaming charges with Airalo and complimentary travel insurance. Unlimited airport lounge access worldwide and concierge services with Visa Airport companion app. Discounts on booking.com, Agoda, and Purchase Protection. HSBC Emirates Skywards Signature Credit Card The HSBC Emirates Skywards Signature Credit Card offers members the following range of benefits: Sign-up bonus of 10,000 Skywards Miles upon annual fee payment. Earn 10,000 welcome bonus Skywards Miles and fast track to Silver Tier membership on a minimum of AED 30,000 eligible spends in 60 days from the card issuance date. Renewal of Silver Tier membership based on a minimum annual spend of AED 180K where at least AED 10K should be spent directly with Emirates. Skywards Miles earned will not expire for the lifetime of the card. Access to exclusive offers across the UAE with HSBC Entertainer app. Complimentary subscription to Careem+. Discounts on Amazon and select cinemas across the UAE. Discounts on international roaming charges with Airalo and complimentary travel insurance. 12 complimentary airport lounge access worldwide with Visa Airport Companion app. Discounts on concierge services, booking.com, Agoda and, Purchase Protection. Explore a world of rewards with Emirates Skywards Emirates Skywards has more than 33 million members worldwide. Members can earn and spend Skywards Miles for an extensive range of rewards, including flight tickets on Emirates and partner airlines, flight upgrades, gift cards, holiday packages, duty free shopping, hotel stays and money-can’t-buy experiences. HSBC Emirates Skywards cardholders can also accelerate their Skywards Miles earning by spending with their card across a variety of hotel, car rental, and lifestyle partners such as Dubai Mall, Skywards Miles Mall, Skywards Everyday, and Emirates Skywards Hotels. Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Emirates Skywards,
Global IT Outages: Travel grapples with tech ‘disaster’ as flights grounded
Image from StratNews Global A software update wrought havoc on computer systems globally on today evening, grounding flights, forcing some broadcasters off air and hitting services from banking to healthcare. An update to a product offered by global cyberscurity firm CrowdStrike appeared to be the trigger, affecting customers using Microsoft operating platforms. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz said on social media platform X that the company was "actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts" and that a fix was being deployed."This is not a security incident or cyberattack," Kurtz said in the post. As of 9:53pm (MNL/SIN), online flight tracker FlightAware stated that over 21,000 flights have been grounded globally. Meanwhile, aviation analytics firm Cirium puts the total number of global flight cancellations at around 1,396, with 52 departures from British airports among them. Likewise, 51 inbound flights to the UK have also been cancelled. Source: FlightAware / Cirium Bricked and grounded Early on Friday, major US carriers American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines grounded their respective flights, while other carriers and airports around the world reported delays and disruptions. Banks and financial services companies from Australia to India and Germany warned customers of disruptions and traders across markets spoke of problems with executing transaction. "This is a a very, very uncomfortable illustration of the fragility of the world’s core Internet infrastructure," said Ciaran Martin, Professor at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government and former head of the UK National Cyber Security Centre. The outages rippled far and wide. Airports in Singapore, Hong Kong and India said the outage meant some airlines were having to check in passengers manually. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, one of Europe's busiest, said it was affected, while airline Iberia said it had been operating manually at airports until its electronic check-in counters and online check-ins were reactivated. It said there had been some delays but no flight cancellations. Air France-KLM also said its operations were disrupted. Meanwhile, the Dutch foreign affairs ministry informed press agency ANP that its own operations were also affected. At the time of this report, a spokesperson was not immediately available for comment. While there were reports of companies gradually restoring their services, analysts weighed the potential of what one called the biggest ever outage in the industry and the broader economy. "IT security tools are all designed to ensure that companies can continue to operate in the worst-case scenario of a data breach, so to be the root cause of a global IT outage is an unmitigated disaster," said Ajay Unni, CEO of StickmanCyber, one of Australia's largest cybersecurity services companies. Source: Reuters Who's been hit hardest so far? According to FlightAware's most recent report, China's Shenzen Bao'an, Amsterdam Schiphol in the Netherlands, and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta suffered the most in terms of delays and cancellations due to the IT outage. Source: FlightAware Thousands grounded as airports go manual The ongoing outage has already impacted thousands of passengers throughout Asia. As reported, systems running self-check-in kiosks in India, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan have crashed, forcing airport and immigration personnel to resort to manual procedures. In the Philippines, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP)announced in a statement released earlier this evening that it began initiating irregular operations protocols in close coordination with affected airlines, the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Office for Transportation Security. A CAAP spokesperson said: "Additionally, personnel are adding more seating for passengers, personnel at the help desks, and medical teams are on standby in the departure areas [of affected airports.]" As of 7:00pm Manila time, congestion caused by crowds of passengers flocking to check-in counters was already seen at Terminal 3 of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and at Davao International Airport. Interestingly, hardly any issues were reported at NAIA 1 which mostly caters to foreign airlines and NAIA 2 which is the home port for national flag carrier Philippine Airlines. Low-cost carriers Cebu Pacific and AirAsia were the hardest hit by the outage, with the former cancelling the remaining 18 flights scheduled for 19 July and two international flights slated for 20 July. The flight cancellations were posted to Cebu Pacific's official Facebook account early this evening. In a statement posted to AirAsia Philippines’ official Facebook account at 4:33pm in Manila, the airline's head of communications and public affairs Steve Dailisan explained how the outage caused unexpected rebooting of machines, leading to some operational disruptions related to check-in processes and navigating the AirAsia MOVE app. Dailisan was quick to assure passengers that the airline was doing what it could under the circumstances, saying: “[We are] closely monitoring the situation and are in constant communication with Navitaire and Microsoft. Our top priority is to minimise any impact on our guests and ensure that all systems are restored to full functionality as soon as possible." Source: GMA News / AirAsia Philippines / Cebu Pacific / CAAP Meanwhile, Japan Airlines' (JAL) website and online booking facility were down for about five hours from 2pm to 7pm JST. While it is suspected that the crash was caused by the same IT issue affecting other airline sites and operations, JAL officials have told the media they are still in the process of investigating the matter. Singapore Airlines reported a similar issue affecting its off-premises booking service at ION. As of 8pm (MNL/SIN), the system is back online. Source: NHK Several Asian airlines flying out of Tokyo's Narita Airport noted issues regarding their online systems as early as 1:40pm JST, Jetstar Japan Co. reported experiencing system malfunctions, including boarding procedures, from around 1:40 p.m., with the issues likely linked to problems reported worldwide with Microsoft's systems. However, Jetstar Asia CEO John Simeone was quick to assure the public that, while there would be delays in Japan as well as other airports in Asia, there would be no flight cancellations. Simeone said: “[Our operations are] currently impacted by [the] global software issue that is affecting airlines and other businesses around the world. [However,] we are working with our providers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.” The Narita International Airport Corporation also reported that HK Express and Jeju Air counters also experienced system problems throughout much of Friday afternoon. Source: Kyodo News / Jetstar
DOT records more inbound flights to PHL, increase in domestic air routes
DOT has revealed favourable developments in air connectivity thanks to the convergence efforts towards the development of the country’s tourism industry. It can be recalled that in Secretary Frasco’s listening tours with tourism stakeholders since last year to get to know the most urgent needs and concerns of the industry, connectivity and enhanced gateway access were among the urgent and recurring concerns raised by stakeholders. Since then, the DOT entered into a convergence with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and collaborated with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and other aviation stakeholders in determining measures that will promote seamless travel experience, including the improvement of gateways, enhancement of infrastructure, and maximization of the country’s aviation hubs, among others. The DOT also led route development initiatives, primary to this are meetings with top executives of international and local air carriers to promote the Philippines as a destination for these airlines and forge partnerships as far as the further development of the country’s tourism industry is concerned. Moreover, the DOT also promotes the country’s tourism destinations and gateways in key international aviation networking, and business-to-business (B2B) activities including the Routes Asia and Routes World, among others. “In keeping with our National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, we have been working with relevant government agencies such as the DOTr and CAAP, and aviation industry stakeholders, recognizing the urgent need to increase the number of flights into the country and increase overall accessibility for both our foreign and domestic guests, to convey that the Philippine government under President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. is exhausting all means to open up the country to business and tourism,” Secretary Frasco said. “We express our sincerest gratitude to DOTr Secretary Bautista, and the CAAP led by Captain Manuel Tamayo, and all our partners in the aviation industry including our airlines, who have responded to the needs of our tourists and traveling public through the resumption of flights that were halted due to the pandemic, as well as the institution new flights to reinvigorate the country’s tourism industry,” she added. Additional International Air Seats Based on the DOT’s Routes Development report for June 2023, eight of the country’s international gateways saw a significant growth in terms of incoming frequencies and seats per week. For instance, on a weekly average, compared to June 2022, Clark in June 2023 saw an increase of 180% in terms of incoming scheduled frequencies and 215% in terms of incoming seats, while Manila saw an increase of 75% in terms of incoming frequencies and 120% in terms of incoming seats. In Visayas, Kalibo recorded a 640% increase in incoming frequencies and 409% increase in incoming seats, Cebu with an increase of 300% in terms of incoming frequencies and 297% in terms of incoming seats, and Bohol with an increase of 200% in terms of incoming frequencies and 128% in terms of incoming seats. Davao saw a 50% increase in incoming frequencies, and 38% increase in incoming seats. Meanwhile, Caticlan and Cagayan North recorded six frequencies from Taipei, and two frequencies from Macau, respectively. Between June and July 2023, the country welcomed 58 new incoming weekly frequencies from various origin cities into the country’s international gateways. The DOT reports the following incoming weekly frequencies in June and July : Manila (7 Zip Air from Tokyo, and 2 Air China flights from Chengdu); Cebu (7 China Eastern Airlines flights from Shanghai, 4 Philippine Air Asia flights from Tokyo, 2 Cebu Pacific from Taipei, and an increase from 5 to 7 Asiana Airlines flights from Incheon); Bohol (2 Asiana Airlines and 7 Air Busan flights from Seoul), Kalibo (3 flights from Hangzhou, 3 flights from Ningbo, and 3 flights from Wenzhou via Loong Air, 4 Ok Airways from Chengdu, and 2 TigerAir Taiwan from Taipei), Clark (7 Asiana Airlines flights from Seoul), Caticlan (3 Royal Airways flights from Hong Kong), and Cagayan North (2 Royal Airway flights from Macau). In addition to commercial flights, the DOT also welcomed various charter flights that support the country's destinations. Increase in Domestic Air Seats In terms of domestic tourism, the DOT also noted a significant jump in domestic connectivity in the country’s tourism gateways. The industry gained from at least 17 city pairs, with about 83 incoming weekly frequencies that were launched between July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. This includes new domestic air routes that were instituted during this period, including flights between Cebu-Baguio (4 frequencies per week), Cebu-Borongan (2 frequencies per week), and Cebu-Naga (4 frequencies per week). Among the domestic flights that resumed in the same period include: Clark to Bacolod, Busuanga, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Davao, Iloilo, General Santos, and Puerto Princesa and vice versa; Manila to Tablas, and Lal-o (v.v.); Davao to Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Siargao, and vice versa; and Zamboanga to Cotabato (v.v.). “With the DOT's Philippine Experience Program and regional travel expos, we are optimistic that our stakeholders, particularly from the aviation industry will see the need to improve connectivity around the country to cater to the growing demands of our travelers," added the tourism chief. US-based United Airlines announces direct flights between San Francisco and Manila Meanwhile, the DOT also expresses its elation following United Airlines’ announcements of its plans to mount nonstop flights connecting Manila with San Francisco starting October as part of its expansion in Asia. At present, United flies to Manila from Guam and Palau. Once the flights between Manila and San Francisco become operational, the airline will be the first American carrier to fly direct to Manila from continental US in a long while."
Around 60 flights affected by Manila airspace shutdown
The Manila airspace was shut down for 30 minutes yesterday due to a computer glitch, according to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The glitch resulted in “reduced arrival and departing rate of aircraft” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). CAAP said in a statement, “The Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) system encountered a computer glitch this morning, 4 June 2019, which has resulted in reduced arrival and departing rate of aircraft for about 30 minutes.” Flights in and out of the terminals from MNL were stopped from 9:44 am to 10:16 am. Approximately 60 flights were affected by the shutdown. As of 1 pm, CAAP confirmed that no more aircraft was put on hold. “We appeal for your patience and understanding as we work towards normalizing our operations as soon as possible. We assure the riding public our continued commitment to their safety and convenience and above all the safety of flights,” it added. The aviation organisation claimed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident. “We have already coordinated with the airlines as well as relevant authorities who are now addressing the issue. An investigation is likewise ongoing to determine the cause of the incident. Updates will be provided once available,” CAAP chief information officer and spokesman Eric Apolonio said. Last year, the Manila and Clark airspace radar approach control service was successfully transferred to the new ATMC. In April 2019, the Davao airspace radar approach control service is set to be transferred to the new ATMC as well, completing the transition of approach facilities to the new ATMC.
Several flights cancelled as Philippine’s Clark Int’l Airport closes after 6.1 earthquake
Several domestic and international flights in Philippines’ Clark International Airport scheduled on Monday night, 22 April, and Tuesday, 23 April, were cancelled following the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that rocked Luzon on Monday afternoon. The earthquake’s epicentre is located near Castillejos, Zambales, a province in the north of Pampanga, which is the site of Clark Airport. The airport has been severely damaged leaving more than 150,000 passengers stranded, according to local reports. Photos on social media showed parts of the roof collapsed into the check-in hall. Seven people were reportedly injured in the incident. Currently, the airport is closed until further notice. Jaime Melo, president of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), said that part of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) tower has cracks. “No tower, no airport,” Melo said. An update today claimed that the tower is structurally sound, but safety is paramount for the airport. Department of Transportation Arthur Tugade ordered airlines to take care of the passengers and should not shoulder any fees to rebook their flights. Clark Airport is offering free bus ride from the airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport to some passengers. CIAC is currently assessing the extent of the damages and repairs will start today. https://twitter.com/lancelauren_/status/1120285577230688257 Officials said that some flights are diverted to NAIA. They advised passengers that it is best to coordinate with their respective airlines. Cebu Pacific said affected passengers will be notified via email or text message. They may manage their booking through the Manage Booking section of the airline's website. They may avail of the following options, free of charge: rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from original departure date place the cost of the ticket in a travel fund for future use get a full refund Cebu Pacific also said passengers may request to reroute their flight to or from Manila, subject to seat availability. Meanwhile, PAL said affected passengers can either rebook or reroute their flights within 30 days from the original flight date, with penalties waived. "We urge passengers with flights to or from Clark to check the status of their flights by logging on to www.philippineairlines.com and clicking the flight status button as early as 48 hours to their estimated time of departure. They may also call PAL Hotline (02) 855-8888," the flag carrier said. Clark serves as a smaller-sized focus airport for various airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Philippines Air Asia. Qatar Airways and Emirates also provide daily non-stop services from their respective hubs in the Middle East, alongside several other Asian carriers serving cities in China, Korea, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. More than 2.6 million passengers travelled through Clark Airport in 2018.
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