LIST: International flights canceled on Saturday due to Typhoon Bavi

On July 10, several domestic flights were canceled in the Philippines due to unrest at Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued an advisory confirming the cancellations as a precautionary measure. This decision was made amid heightened volcanic activity, including a moderately explosive eruption that lasted approximately three minutes and the recording of 21 volcanic earthquakes. These developments prompted authorities to raise the alert level for Kanlaon to 2 Level 2, indicating a moderate level of volcanic unrest. As a result, access to the four-kilometer radius of the permanent danger zone surrounding the volcano was restricted, and all air traffic near the area was prohibited. The affected flights included routes operated by PAL Express and CebGo, two major domestic carriers. For PAL Express, flights GAP2867 and GAP2868 between Manila and Cebu were canceled, along with GAP2815 and GAP2816 connecting Manila and Davao. Similarly, CebGo had multiple flights suspended, including SRQ6575 and SRQ6576 between Cebu and Tacloban, SRQ6579 and SRQ6580 in the reverse direction, and others linking Cebu with cities such as Dipolog, Pagadian, and Butuan. These cancellations disrupted travel plans for many passengers who had booked flights for that day, particularly those relying on these routes for business or personal reasons. The unrest at Kanlaon Volcano comes after reports of ashfall affecting parts of Negros and Cebu. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continuously monitors the situation and updates the public about the volcano’s status. According to their latest report, the moderately explosive eruption was accompanied by seismic activity, reinforcing concerns about potential further eruptions or increased volcanic hazards. PHIVOLCS maintains that the current alert level remains at 2, but they continue to advise caution and vigilance among residents and travelers in nearby areas. The impact of the volcanic activity extends beyond flight disruptions. Local communities near Kanlaon have been advised to stay away from the danger zones and to follow official guidelines regarding safety protocols. Authorities have also emphasized the importance of monitoring weather conditions and staying informed about any changes in the volcano's behavior. While there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, the situation remains under close observation by both local and national agencies. In addition to the domestic flight cancellations, international flights were also affected later in the week. On July 11, CAAP announced the cancellation of several international routes due to the effects of Typhoon Bavi, which had previously been known as Typhoon Inday. Flights such as PR 336/337 between Manila and Shanghai, PR 890/891 connecting Manila and Taipei, and other routes involving destinations like Busan, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo were impacted. These cancellations were attributed to the typhoon's movement over the East China Sea, where it was expected to make landfall in mainland China. The dual challenges posed by the volcanic unrest and the typhoon highlight the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters. Both events underscore the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Authorities continue to work closely with meteorological services and volcanological institutions to ensure timely warnings and effective mitigation strategies. Meanwhile, airlines and airport operators remain vigilant, adjusting schedules and operations based on evolving conditions. As the situation evolves, officials are expected to provide further updates on the status of Kanlaon Volcano and the potential for additional flight disruptions. Travelers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest information on flight schedules and safety advisories. With the combination of volcanic activity and typhoon-related impacts, the coming days will likely see continued attention from both the government and the public as efforts are made to manage risks and minimize disruptions to daily life.