Naia suspends flight, ground operations due to lightning red alert

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia)–INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Flight and ground operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) were temporarily suspended because of a lightning red alert issued by the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa).

The alert is effective as of 2:20 p.m., according to an advisory from Miaa on Friday.

A lightning red alert is a “safety measure taken to prevent untoward incidents from happening when lightning is prevalent in the immediate area and may endanger personnel, passengers, and even flight operations.”

READ: Pagasa: Rain showers expected in many parts of PH on Friday

In a Facebook post, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) also issued a thunderstorm advisory in some parts of Luzon, which took effect at 2:13 p.m.

READ: Pagasa declares official start of rainy season

Pagasa said moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds are expected over Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, and Bataan within the next 2 hours.

It added that the weather conditions are already felt in Metro Manila, Quezon, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna.

Pagasa said this may persist for two hours and affect nearby areas.