CAAP closes navigation routes due to possible rocket debris
Picture of CAAP logo from INQUIRER Files
MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Thursday announced it closed several area navigation (RNAV) routes in anticipation of debris dropped by China’s rocket launch.
It was on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 when China launched a cargo rocket ship at exactly 9:22 p.m. (Philippine time) to Tiangong Space Station.
In a statement, CAAP said this prompted the agency to issue notices to airmen (Notam) advising the closure of the routes in preparation for possible debris drops from the rocket launch.
The closures were effective on May 10, 2023 from 9:14 p.m. to 9:52 p.m., 9:15 p.m. to 9:56 p.m., and 9:15 p.m. to 10:02 p.m.
“Though the debris from the rocket launch will unlikely fall on inhabited land, it may still pose a danger to aircraft and seacraft,” said CAAP.
Drop zones were identified in coordination with the Philippine Space Agency, located approximately 65 to 79 kilometers from Bajo de Masinloc or the Scarborough Shoal.
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