The Manila International Airport Authority on Tuesday announced that airline companies have agreed to suspend runway operations at certain times when Pope Francis arrives and leaves the Philippines this January, GMA News TV's Balitanghali has reported.

The MIAA advised passengers to cancel or rebook their flights on those days to avoid inconvenience.

 

The MIAA said no arrival or departure flights would be allowed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m for the arrival of the Pope at 5:45 p.m. on January 15.

 

It added that about 167 flights or 23,000 passengers will be affected.

 

Meanwhile, during the Pope's departure at 10 a.m. on January 19, no flights will be allowed from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the report added.

 

About 131 flights or 18,000 passengers will be affected, it said. —Amanda Fernandez/NB, GMA News