Iloilo International Airport shut down for emergency maintenance

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town in Iloilo unexpectedly shut down on Sunday morning, Dec. 22, for emergency repairs on its runway, delaying flights to and from the airport, considered as one of the main gateways of Western Visayas.

Iloilo Airport Terminal supervisor Art Parreño told local media here that the maintenance was critical to address issues on the runway and ensure that all flights can operate without risk.

Parreño said a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued at 7:00 a.m. that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Iloilo airport office would conduct runway repair of a small pothole.

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He declined further requests for an interview but stated that as of 11:00 a.m., the NOTAM had been lifted.

As of 2:10 p.m., the Philippine Airlines had been conducting boarding procedures for flights headed to Manila.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, chairperson of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council in Western Visayas, said he would summon the CAAP to explain further regarding the airport shutdown.

“This situation caused significant dismay and inconvenience to passengers traveling to and from various destinations across the country,” the mayor said in his statement.

“Ilonggos deserve better. The airport is a critical gateway that impacts not only our connectivity but also our local economy and reputation. Any disruption of this magnitude must be addressed promptly and transparently. I will ensure that accountability is upheld and that measures are implemented to prevent such incidents from happening again,” he added.