NAIA flight delays caused by ‘potential problem’ in air traffic management software
MANILA, Philippines – Multiple flights departing and arriving in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) may experience delays due to a “potential problem” with the software of the Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC).
“During the regular monitoring today at the Air Traffic Management Center, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) identified a potential problem with the software of ATMC. To ensure safety of the flying public, CAAP decided to be conservative and manage the operations by providing longer separation of departing flights,” CAAP said in an advisory on Monday, May 20.
As of 2:02 pm, CAAP public information officer Karen Villanda said the problem at the ATMC has been resolved and that “regular flight operations are now being restored.” It may, however, take some time for airlines to clear up flight delays.
Earlier, at around 12 noon on Monday, CAAP temporarily suspended all departing and arriving aircraft at NAIA. The agency then said it had put in place an “air traffic management contingency procedure” to ensure safety, resulting in longer separation intervals for departing flights. Villanda said that both traffic coming in and out of Manila may be affected, although she clarified that the communication and surveillance at the ATMC “remain available and unaffected.”
So far, several flights at NAIA have already been delayed. Passengers are advised to check with their airline’s social media platforms and websites for timely updates.
Cebu Pacific released an advisory that “flights departing and arriving at NAIA may experience delays due to issues related to the software at the ATMC which are affecting operations.” In another advisory posted past 3:30 pm, the low-cost airline announced the cancellation of the following flights:
- 5J 389/390: Manila – Cagayan De Oro – Manila
- 5J 455/456: Manila – Iloilo – Manila
- 5J 487/488: Manila – Bacolod – Manila
- 5J 557/558: Manila – Cebu – Manila
- 5J 955/956: Manila – Davao – Manila
“The ATMC resumed operations at 2:21 pm, but it will take some time for operations to normalize. Please expect delays, cancellations, and disruptions for the remainder of the day,” Cebu Pacific said in the later advisory.
Four AirAsia domestic flights and one AirAsia international flight were also put on hold, as shown in the table below. AirAsia Philippines communications and public affairs head Steve Dalisan added that although there may be minor delays, the situation is expected “to normalize very soon.”
| Flight | From | To | New ETD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z2 329 | MNL | TAC | Standby |
| Z2 309 | MNL | ILO | Standby |
| Z2 225 | MNL | MPH | Standby |
| Z2 615 | MNL | DVO | Standby |
| AK 583 | MNL | KUL | Standby |
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) said in a statement that its flight operations were “normalizing” after the disruption caused by the software issue.
“With the restoration of Manila radar operations by government authorities, we are working towards normalizing our flight operations. We are closely coordinating with the aviation authorities on the adjustment of flight schedules and clearances,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.
CAAP has yet to clarify what the technical problem was.
However, an advisory by Cebu Pacific pinned the issue to the “main flight data processor of the ATMC,” which limited the number of flights allowed to operate between midday and 2:21 pm.
This was not the first time that glitches with CAAP’s air traffic management system have affected flights all over the country. On January 1, 2023, the entire Philippine airspace was shut down for hours due to issues with the ATMC, leaving more than 78,000 passengers stranded on New Year’s Day. (READ: What caused the January 1 air traffic mess and what should be done about it?) – Rappler.com