APD | Domestic and international flights affected by airport closure

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

The country’s top airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport will remain closed from 11:00 A.M. today until 11:00 P.M. Tuesday as strong typhoon “Kammuri”(locally known as “Tisoy”) is expected to affect Metro Manila and nearby regions today until tonight.

Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal said 438 domestic and international flights are affected.

The Bicol Region has taken the brunt of “Kammuri’s” wrath since last night and has caused damage to government and private structures including electric power posts.

Earlier, in a press briefing, Mr. Monreal said the decision to close the Ninoy Aquino’s four terminals was the result of consultations with stakeholders. Airlines advised airport authorities they would move their planes out of the airport to prevent possible damages.

Metro Manila residents have stayed clear of their offices and schools as government officials advised them to remain at home.

Several outdoor events at the 30th Southeast Asian Games have been postponed and will have to wait for the weather to improve.

To date, there are 12,000 Filipino and foreign athletes and officials as well as volunteers at the biennial sub-regional games.

As of 4:00 A.M. today, the eye of typhoon “Tisoy” was located at Burias Island in Masbate Province packing maximum sustained winds from 155 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 235 kilometers per hour. Aside from winds, it has intense rainfall in Bicol and Southern Tagalog and MIMAROPA regions.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)