CAAP: Measures in place to avoid repeat of New Year airport glitch

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said on Friday that its communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system has been upgraded to avoid a possible repeat of a glitch in 2022 that affected 200 flights on New Year's Day.

“Ito namang tinatawag nating CNS/ATM na nagre-regulate ng mga traffic sa ere, na nagkaroon ng problema nung 2022, naisaayos na rin po ito at na-upgrade na yung program…at may backup system tayong pinrepare just in case magkaroon ng issue ay tuloy-tuloy ang paglipad ng mga eroplano,” said CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio.

(The CNS/ATM that regulates the air traffic, which experienced a problem in 2022, was already fixed and upgraded. We also prepared a backup system just in case another issue occurs, so we can assure a smooth flight of airplanes.) 

He also said that standby generators are already in place for possible power outages. 

“Lahat naman ng ating mga CAAP-operated airports ay may standby generator just in case na may power failure sa supply sa labas,” said Apolonio. 

(All CAAP-operated airports have standby generators just in case there will be a power failure in the outside supply.) 

The technical issue affected around 56,000 passengers as their flights were canceled, diverted, or delayed on New Year's Day.

Meanwhile, CAAP advised passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before their flight to avoid any inconvenience amid the expected influx of people for the New Year. 

“Sa mga maglalakbay ngayong Bagong Taon, expect natin na darami ang mga pasahero, kaya agahan natin ang pagpunta sa mga paliparan, mga three hours before nandoon na kayo,” said Apolonio, adding to also check updates from the airlines. 

(To those who will travel this New Year, already expect for the influx of people, so be early at the airports. Please arrive three hours before your scheduled flight.)

—VAL, GMA Integrated News