Zamboanga flights of PAL, Cebu Pacific still cancelled

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – Twenty four (24) commercial flights to and from Zamboanga are cancelled on Tuesday, September 10, as Zamboanga City enters the 2nd day of standoff between rebel groups and military forces.

TIMELINE: Zamboanga standoff between government and MNLF troops

In separate statements, domestic carriers PAL Express and Cebu Pacific announced that they will not operate their Zamboanga flights.

This while the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) kept its order to halt operations at Zamboanga International Airport, the 3rd busiest aviation facility in Mindanao.

READ: Govt halts Zamboanga airport operations

“The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced the continued issuance of NOTAM (notice to airman) until further notice suspending commercial operations of all flights coming in and out of Zamboanga International Airport for security and safety measures,” CAAP said in a statement Tuesday. 

The airport is only a few kilometers from the hot spots and that stray bullets were found at the airport’s runway, CAAP deputy director-general Rodante Joya told radio DZMM, citing reports that they received.

Thousands of passengers have been affected by the airport’s closure.

Affected flights

“With the continued Zamboanga airport closure on September 10, 2013 (Tuesday), all PAL flights from Manila to Zamboanga, and back, are cancelled in order to ensure the safety of passengers amid security concerns in the city,” Philippine Airlines (PAL) said.

It’s unit, PAL Express, operates flights between Zamboanga and the following airports: Manila, Cebu, Davao and Jolo. The 14 affected flights were:

• 2P 993/994 Manila-Zamboanga-Mla
• 2P 241/242 Mactan-Zamboanga-Mactan
• 2P243/244 Tawi Tawi-Zamboanga-Tawi Tawi
• 2P245/246 Jolo-Zamboanga-Jolo
• 2P 272/273 Davao-Zamboanga-Davao
• 2P 995/996 Manila-Zamboanga-Manila
• 2P 997/998 Manila-Zamboanga-Manila

Cebu Pacific cited “security situation in Zamboanga” as reason for canceling the following 8 flights on Wednesday:

• 5J 859/860 Manila-Zamboanga-Manila 
• 5J 851/852 Manila-Zamboanga-Manila 
• 5J 839/840 Zamboanga – Tawi-Tawi – Zamboanga 
• 5J 203/204 Cebu-Cagayan de Oro-Cebu 
• 5J 845/844 Cagayan de Oro – Zamboanga – Cagayan de Oro

Contact details

Both airlines said all their affected passengers may rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from the original departure date. No penalties will be imposed.

Aside from rebooking, passengers may also opt for full travel fund or full refund.

PAL said passengers must advise the airline which option they will take. PAL and PAL Express reservation numbers are (02) 855-8888 or (02) 855-9000

Cebu Pacific’s helplines are: (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888. – Rappler.com