Lightning delays 36 flights at Naia

MANILA, Philippines — After 36 domestic and international flights were delayed between Sunday night and Monday morning due to two consecutive red lightning alerts, the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) assured passengers that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) was equipped with lightning arresters.

In a statement, Miaa general manager Ed Monreal said that 20 lightning arresters were installed at the four Naia terminals and nearby buildings.

Monreal issued the statement after former Miaa chief Edgardo Manda claimed that the current airport administration was not addressing the issue of frequent lighting alerts that halt ramp operations.

A lightning arrester protects electrical and communication facilities from the damaging effects of lightning.

While airplanes have their own lightning protection, the movement of ground personnel is discouraged, especially when the red lightning alert is raised. In 2014, an airport employee died when struck by lightning on the Naia Terminal 3 tarmac.

The red lightning alert is raised when a thunderstorm accompanied by intense lightning is within nine kilometers of Naia. —With a report by Aizam Umal