2 MNL-DVO flights affected on May 17 by airspace shutdown

SEVERAL Davao-Manila-Davao flights will be affected due to the two-hour airspace shutdown.

On May 3, 2023, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced that there will be corrective maintenance from 2:00 am to 4:00 am at the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center due to the replacement of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as well upgrade the air traffic management system (ATMS) on May 17.

Following the announcement, airline companies have announced that there will be flights that will be affected due to the airspace shutdown.

Air Asia said two Manila-Davao-Manila flights (Z2627 and Z2628) were all canceled.

“Guests who are traveling on the affected flights listed are encouraged to check their registered email and mobile for notifications for updated travel information,” Air Asia said in their press release.

“As a statement of support, we unite with the airport authorities in enhancing customer experience and minimizing confusion during the repair period. The slight adjustments in flight retiming will pave the way for safer, more reliable, and improved Philippine airspace management. Through collaboration with the authorities, we are committed to ensuring the seamless operation of our flights and the safety of our guests,” AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Country Head Steve Dailisan added.

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific said none of its Manila-Davao-Manila flights will be affected.

For their part, Philippine Airlines (PAL) said that they “will strive to maintain normal flight schedules even as the government carries out corrective maintenance.”

They said that “flights departing from Manila within the 2:00 am to 4:00 am period will be allowed to take off and land utilizing one of the two Manila runways, which will remain open for flight departures.”

“As a precaution, we worked with aviation authorities to put in place contingency plans to ensure that flight departures and arrivals within the said period are supported with the necessary air navigation guidance for safety and operational efficiency.

However, PAL advised that travelers should check their website for any possible flight delays.