Tacloban airport closed to large aircraft till December 3

MANILA, Philippines – Aircraft larger than turbo propeller ones are banned from using the Daniel Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City until December 3, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said.

Only Bombardier Dash 8, ATR 72-500 and aircraft smaller than turboprops are allowed to use the airport, whose runway is undergoing repairs due to potholes.

The CAAP decision prompted airlines to cancel some of their flights that use Airbus aircraft.

Cebu Pacific, for instance, cancelled the following flights: 

September 4 to 30, 2014

• 5J 651 / 652 Manila – Tacloban – Manila
• 5J 653 / 654 Manila – Tacloban – Manilaairc
• 5J 659 / 660 Manila – Tacloban – Manila

Cebu Pacific said it is arranging additional flights to accommodate affected passengers. Passengers may also avail of any of the following options for free:

• rebook their flights within 30 days from original departure date
• reroute their flights to the alternate station (Cebu) within 30 days from original departure date
• request for a full travel fund or full refund

Affected passengers may call +(632) 7020888 or +(6332) 2308888 for their preferred option.

The Tacloban airport was severely damaged when Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) made landfall in central Philippines in November last year. – Rappler.com