THE Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) was not damaged and its operations remain normal despite the magnitude 6.5 earthquake that struck Samar on Tuesday, April 23.
In an advisory, MCIA officials announced they are on heightened alert after Intensity 3 was felt in Cebu.
"We have placed operational safety and concerned personnel on heightened alert and will continue to monitor the situation," the advisory read.
Jason Torres, GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Consortion (GMCAC)'s Corporate Affairs head, told SunStar Cebu all their domestic and international flights are normal except for those coming and leaving to Clark International Airport.
"The two airlines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) both released advisories on the cancellation of their Clark flights but it's expected to be back anytime soon," he said.
Torres assured the airport did not sustain any damage but they remain on alert for any aftershocks.
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, Cebu Pacific announced it will resume operations to and from the Clark International Airport Wednesday evening, following the end of the temporary closure period issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).
Repairs on the airport terminal in Clark, Pampanga were also completed after it was damaged by the earthquake in Luzon last Monday, April 22.
The following flights will resume Wednesday evening:
5J 120 Clark-Hong Kong
5J 121 Hong Kong-Clark
5J 370 Clark-Macau
5J 371 Macau-Clark
5J 608 Clark-Cebu
5J 609 Cebu-Clark
"All other flights to and from Clark will resume as scheduled starting tomorrow, April 25, and thereafter," Cebu Pacific said in an advisory.
Philippine Airlines will resume all flights to and from Clark airport starting Thursday, April 25.
For April 25, the following PAL routes will be operated:
Clark - Antique - Clark
Clark - Caticlan - Clark
Clark - Cebu - Clark
Clark - Catarman - Clark
Clark - Bacolod - Clark
Clark - Basco - Clark
Clark - Busuanga - Clark
Clark - Cagayan de Oro - Clark
Clark - Siargao - Clark
Clark - Puerto Princesa - Clark
Clark - Davao - Clark
Clark - San Vicente - Clark
Clark - Tagbilaran (Panglao, Bohol) - Clark
Clark - Calbayog - Clark
Clark - Kalibo - Clark
Clark - Seoul (Incheon)
"We welcome the re-opening of Clark airport and laud the efficient and expeditious efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the CIAC to bring the airport back to full, safe and effective operations. PAL operates the largest hub network out of Clark, with multiple routes to domestic destinations as well as to Seoul Incheon in Korea, and the full restoration of services is a good development for the flying public and the country," said PAL president Mr. Jaime J. Bautista.
"PAL is however operating a number of replacement flights between Manila and Busuanga (Coron), Manila and Basco (Batanes), and extra flights between Cebu and Busuanga, to cater to passengers affected by the Clark closure on key routes," the advisory said. (JOB)