Cebu Pacific (CEB) and its sister airline, CebGo, announced the cancellation of 24 flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) due to persistent rains and strong winds caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
As of 9 a.m., the suspended flights include routes to and from Daraga, Cauayan, Kalibo, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Caticlan, and Davao. Additionally, CebGo has canceled two flights between Masbate and Cebu.
The airline management explained that Severe Tropical Storm Kristine has led to prolonged heavy rains, strong winds, and widespread flooding across various parts of the Philippines. This situation has resulted in extended aircraft servicing times in recent days.
“The adverse weather conditions have left several of our crew and aircraft out of position, necessitating their relocation back to their bases. We are working diligently to restore normal operations as safely and promptly as possible,” stated CEB.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our utmost priority,” it added.
CEB advises passengers not to go to the airport unless they have confirmed bookings for flights that are still scheduled to operate. “We strongly urge our passengers to assess whether their journeys are essential and to seriously consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later date,” it stated.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that 31 domestic flights have also been suspended at various provincial airports across the country.
CAAP information officer Karen Villanda reported that a total of 126 passengers were affected by CEB’s flight cancellations at Laoag International Airport, which involved flights to and from Manila. She added that eight other flights were canceled in Zamboanga, along with another CebGo flight at San Jose Airport, affecting an additional 152 passengers.
Furthermore, two flights were canceled at Bicol International Airport, 12 at Tuguegarao Airport, four at Pagadian Airport, and two at Dipolog Airport.
“In response to the widespread disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Kristine, several CAAP-operated airports have taken significant measures to assist affected residents and travelers,” Villanda noted.
At Romblon Airport, CAAP has offered free phone charging services to help individuals stay connected with their families and access essential services during this challenging time. A similar initiative has been established at Naga Airport, where a free charging station is available outside the main gate to support those in need.
CAAP airports have also opened their doors to individuals unable to return home due to impassable roads. At Bicol International Airport, 35 stranded passengers chose to stay in the Passenger Terminal Building overnight in order to catch their next flight today.
At Naga Airport, 43 individuals—including four families and students from Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA)—were accommodated in the Passenger Terminal Building and provided with refreshments.
“These initiatives reflect CAAP’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and responsive services to the public while supporting local communities during times of crisis,” said Villanda.
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