Caap orders fewer flights at Naia amid shift to new navigation system

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has ordered all airlines to temporarily reduce its flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) as the agency transitions into a better air navigational system.

CAAP has also advised the public about their undertaking of the “necessary measure” that is aimed to improve air travel.

“The CAAP wishes to advise the public that this necessary measure is only temporary and will be effective for a short period to ensure a smooth transition and cut over process from the old radar system to a more enhanced air navigation system,” CAAP said in a statement on Thursday.

“This new system will provide a safer and more efficient air travel that will ultimately inure to the benefit of all for the flying public,” CAAP noted.

CAAP said a number of domestic and international flights at Naia have already been canceled in compliance with its directive.

The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), have already canceled nearly 130 flights in compliance with CAAP’s order.

READ: PAL cancels 68 local, 60 int’l flights due to ‘operational adjustments’

Based on a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) obtained by INQUIRER.net, the transition process from the old radar system to the new air navigation system would affect flights to and from Manila starting 5 a.m. November 14 until 5 p.m. November 20.

With this, at least four arrival flights will be canceled per hour at Naia, it added.

“The flight reduction has been coordinated amongst Philippine-based airlines and the Airport Coordination Australia. It is the airlines’ discretion as to which flights to cancel,” CAAP said.

The Manila Area Control Center radar, CAAP said, will turn into a Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system since the airport’s old radar system only has limited capacity in monitoring flights in the country.

The decision to reduce the inbound and outbound flights at Naia was made as a “safety measure” while the transition is ongoing.

“The CNS/ATM system is expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic and airspace management in the country,” CAAP said. /kga