Caap suspends Lingayen airport operations Nov 1 -2

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority (Caap) on Friday said it suspended the operations of Lingayen Airport in Pangasinan during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day or Undas.

In a statement, Caap said Lingayen Airport operations are suspended from 7:00 a.m. on Nov. 1, until 4:00 p.m. on Nov. 2.

“The airport’s 1,634-meter runway, which sits across the Lingayen Public Cemetery, is being used by the cemetery’s visitors as a convenient shortcut to reach the grave of their loved ones, making airport operations during Undas a safety and security concern for the airport,” Caap said.

Caap also cited the traditional practice of Lingayen locals flying kites at the cemetery as one of the reasons for suspending the operations.

“The practice has been traditionally observed for decades with the belief that kite flying is a tool to communicate with the dead and a vehicle for the departed souls to reach heaven,” the agency explained.

Caap said that it has barred the public from crossing Lingayen airport’s runways, but admitted that it will be difficult to fully implement due to the huge crowd.

Meanwhile, the duration of the closure was extended until Nov. 2, to give time for the airport to conduct a cleanup drive.