Flights canceled as power outage hits NAIA 3

Dozens of flights were canceled on Monday, Labor Day, due to a power outage that hit the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported that the power fluctuation happened at 1:05 a.m. 

In a statement, NAIA said the power outage occurred at Terminal 3 and that delayed flights are to be expected as only standby power is giving electricity to its critical facilities.

“Standby power is now supplying  electricity to critical facilities enabling computer systems of airlines and Immigration to function partially and enable processing of both inbound and outbound passengers,” NAIA said.

“As a result, delayed flights shall be expected,” it added.

Power was restored at 8:46 a.m., according to Joseph Morong's tweet, quoting MIAA General Manager Cesar Chong.

MIAA GM Cesar Chong apologizes to public for NAIA Terminal 3 brownout; power restored at 8:46am @gmanews @24OrasGMA

— Joseph Morong ???????? (@Joseph_Morong) May 1, 2023

In a post on Facebook, NAIA said 46 domestic Cebu Pacific flights were canceled due to the outage.

Aside from the canceled flights, the following flights were also delayed according to CAAP:

• 5J 374/375 Manila-Roxas-Manila
• 5J 452 Iloilo-Manila
• 5J 448 Iloilo-Manila
• 5J 961/962 Manila-Davao-Manila
• 5J 963/964 Manila-Davao-Manila

NAIA said an engineering team from MIAA and technical personnel from Meralco  are now looking into the cause of the power failure.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said there was no problem on the side of the electric power distributor company.

“Initial indications point out na, as far as Meralco is concerned, doon sa mismong area kung nasaan nandoon ang Terminal 3, wala naman kaming problema,” he said.

(Initial indications point out, as far as Meralco is concerned, we have no problem in the area of Terminal 3.)

“Yung tinitignan lang namin ngayon ano ba ang nag-cause dito [We are now looking into the cause of the power outage],” he added.

The MIAA management apologized to its passengers for the inconvenience due to the power outage.

MIAA operations personnel are now assisting affected passengers about their concerns, NAIA said. 

Recovery flights

In a statement, CAAP said recovery flights are expected to accommodate stranded travelers as airlines are already assisting passengers with rebooking and refunds.

CAAP said it has activated help desks with personnel and essential supplies such as food, water, and first aid kits for the affected passengers.

Citing a MIAA advisory, CAAP said only domestic flights were affected by the power outage but all international flights will operate as scheduled.

“The CAAP would like to assure the flying public that their safety and comfort is top priority, and that the management will continue to provide assistance until every affected passenger is accommodated,” it said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News