Naia radar hit by ‘potential’ software issue; flights delayed

FILE PHOTO: Passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Air Traffic Monitoring Center (ATMC) suffered a possible software issue, causing flight delays on Monday.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said in a statement that during its regular monitoring on May 20, it identified “a potential problem with the software” of ATMC.

“To ensure the safety of the flying public, Caap decided to be conservative and manage the operations by providing longer separation of departing flights,” it added.

READ: Naia power outage, tech glitch shut PH airspace

The Philippine Airlines (PAL), meanwhile, issued a notice that a number of its flights “will need to be delayed or canceled today, May 20, 2024, as a result of technical issues with the radar system for the Manila area which is affecting departures and arrivals of scheduled flights.”

It also said it was coordinating with aviation authorities regarding adjustments of flight schedules and clearances while “this temporary problem” is being resolved.

In a separate advisory, the Caap said the issue on ATMC’s software has been resolved.

“Regular flight operations are being restored,” it said.

On social media, users expressed dismay over the flight disruptions.

“I think it’s time for Ninoy Aquino International Airport needs to seriously update and upgrade their radar facilities,” a netizen commented in PAL’s Facebook page on Monday.

Another Facebook user said heads should roll: “All these inconveniences because of the government’s poor facilities, [someone] must be penalized!”