MANILA -- Budget carrier Airphil Express apologized for the cancellation of 13 domestic flights on Saturday after the sustained demand for cheap flights consumed the pilots’ allowable flying hours this month.

Airphil Express vice president for marketing and media Maria Java said eight of the cancelled flights are from Manila and five out of Cebu early Saturday.

Roundtrip flights from Manila to IloIlo (2P-945 and 2P-946), Manila to Puerto Princesa (2P-941, 2P-942), and an early morning flight to Cagayan De Oro were also delayed.

The affected flights are serviced by its Airbus 320 fleet, with a maximum capacity of 150 passengers each.

The airline said the flight disruptions would continue until Sunday as it assured normal operations in time for November 1 or All Saints Day. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)