The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has implemented airport closures and passenger assistance measures as the country observes All Saints’ Day, with Lingayen Airport’s operations suspended due to unique local traditions and safety concerns.
The Lingayen Airport closure, effective from 7:00 a.m. November 1 until 4:00 p.m. November 2, comes as cemetery visitors traditionally use the airport’s 1,634-meter runway as a shortcut to reach their loved ones’ graves at the adjacent Lingayen Public Cemetery.
“It will be difficult for us to control or apprehend people crossing from different directions in almost the entire stretch of the runway,” Area 1 Manager Ronald Estabillo explained. He noted that despite implementing “OPLAN BIYAHENG AYOS UNDAS 2024,” security personnel face challenges in managing the large crowds.
The closure also addresses safety concerns arising from the local tradition of flying kites at the cemetery, believed to facilitate communication with departed souls. The suspension affects both commercial flights and three flying academies based at the facility.
Meanwhile, CAAP has intensified passenger assistance across operational airports, distributing “Malasakit Kits” containing snacks and essential items at Davao, Bicol, Butuan, Surigao, and Naga airports. Malasakit Help Desks have also been stationed to assist travelers.
Elsewhere, Typhoon Leon has impacted air travel, forcing the closure of Basco Airport and causing flight cancellations at San Jose Airport, affecting 156 Cebgo passengers.
CAAP, which manages 44 commercial airports nationwide except for Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Subic International Airport, continues to monitor the situation to ensure traveler safety during the holiday period.
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