THE Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) officials on Monday met with representatives of airlines, ground-handlers and airport meteorologists to clarify the procedures to be followed in case of weather disturbances like thunderstorms and heavy rains.
This, after several flights were delayed on Saturday because of heavy rains and thunderstorm that struck the general vicinity of the premier airport.
Airport Officer in Charge Vicente Guerzon Jr. said a protocol should be in place in the event of weather phenomena that disrupt flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), which maintains a permanent station at the airport complex, regularly issues weather alerts to the Miaa and recommends the precautions for airlines to follow.
The Miaa evaluates the Pagasa reports before issuing advisories—such as thunderstorm and lightning alerts—to terminal management and the control tower, which are then forwarded to their respective airlines and ground-handlers.
Pagasa alert levels that are given to Naia are as follows: Alert Level 1, the weather phenomena is from 30 to 60 kilometers away and all ground activities can continue.
Alert Level 2, the weather phenomena is 15 to 30 km away and all ground activities can continue.
Alert Level 3, the weather phenomena is 5 to 15 km away and ground activities can continue except for: 1) fueling of aircraft and other service equipment, and 2) the deployment of catering services to the ramp area.
Alert Level 4, the weather phenomena is 5 km away and all ground services stopped. All personnel at the ramp should seek shelter at designated safe areas and embarkation and disembarkation of passengers should also be put on hold.
If an aircraft is at a remote parking area, passengers will remain inside the cabin until the alert is lifted.
Another advisory will be issued by the Miaa in coordination with the Pagasa when weather alerts are to be lifted.
Guerzon requested for patience from passengers should their flight be affected by weather disturbances.
“Safety is the priority of the airport management especially in times of weather disturbances. We would rather have delayed flights than casualties,” he said.
He added that aside from the safety protocols, 19 sets of lightning-protection systems are installed around the airport complex to mitigate the effects of electrical storms.