Probe set as computer error cuts plane arrival, departing rate at NAIA
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — An investigation is underway on the computer glitch that resulted in “reduced arrival and departing rate of aircraft” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday morning, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said.
According to CAAP, the computer glitch encountered at the Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) “required contingency standard procedures, which will space out flight sequences, while maintaining safe control of air traffic flow throughout.”
“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 said in a statement.
Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Transition Manager Atty. Antonio Gonzales, however, said the ATMC operations returned to normal around 30 minutes after the computer glitch was resolved.
As of 1 p.m., no more aircraft was put on hold, he added.
“Air traffic spacing has eased up gradually until reverting to the usual spacing of 20 arrivals per hour or 40 movements per hour,” CAAP, citing Gonzales, said.
“The ATMC expects that the Air Traffic Flow control is now stable and is back to normal operations,” it also said.
CAAP had likewise asked the public for patience and understanding while it assures that safety of the riding public remains its priority.
“We appeal for your patience and understanding as we work towards normalizing our operations as soon as possible,” it said.
“We assure the riding public our continued commitment to their safety and convenience and above all the safety of flights,” it added. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)
