Manila Airport Closes for Papal Visit

Air Asia cancelled flights during the Papal visit

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines or CAAP has announced limited operations at NAIA during Pope Francis’ visit to the country. For security purposes, flights in and out of Manila airport will be cancelled throwing airline schedules in disarray.

Airport authorities have said that they will implement several rules for aircraft in all terminals in Ninoy Aquino International Airport during the arrival of Pope Francis on Jan. 15 (2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.), and on Jan. 17 (7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.), and when the Holy Father departs on Jan. 19 (6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.). About 167 domestic and international flights will be cancelled affecting 23,000 passengers when the Pope arrives. About 131 domestic and international flights will be cancelled affecting 18,500 passengers when the Pope departs. Airline companies have already been notified about it and affected passengers are advised to contact the airline companies for refund, rebooking and rescheduling.

Aside from airport operation disruption, the government will also impose a no fly zone within the airspace where the Pope is. Military aircrafts shall patrol the airspace to thwart any possible attack from the air. On the ground, roads will be blocked from public motorists and traffic will be rerouted to give way to the papal convoy.