The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has taken necessary precautions in response to the recent unrest of two prominent volcanoes in the country. The issuance of Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) B1940/23 and B1944/23 by the CAAP pertains to the increased activity observed in Taal Volcano and Mayon Volcano, respectively.
With Mayon Volcano now on Alert Level 2 and Taal Volcano on Alert Level 1, the aviation authority has enforced a temporary ban on flights within a 10,000 feet radius of the surface of the two (02) volcanoes. In addition, aircraft operators have been strongly advised to steer clear of the volcano summits due to the potential hazards posed by ash emissions resulting from sudden phreatic eruptions.
In an advisory released by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), it has been reported that Mayon Volcano’s summit lava dome has been experiencing an increase in rockfall incidents since the last week of April. The frequency of rockfall events has risen significantly, from an average of five occurrences per day to an alarming 49 events per day recorded between 0500H on Sunday, 04 June 2023, and 0500H on Monday, 05 June 2023.
PHIVOLCS further highlighted that visible upwelling of volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake of Taal Volcano had been observed since 2230H on Saturday, 03 June 2023. This phenomenon has produced voluminous steam-rich plumes, reaching heights of up to 3,000 meters above Taal Volcano Island. Such volcanic activity necessitates caution and heightened vigilance to ensure the safety of aviation operations in the affected regions.
The CAAP, responsible for overseeing air travel operations in the Philippines, manages seven airports in the Bicol Region. These airports include Bulan Airport, Sorsogon Airport, Daet Airport, Masbate Airport, Naga Airport, Virac Airport, and the newly constructed Bicol International Airport. The authority remains committed to ensuring the well-being of both passengers and crew members by implementing necessary measures to mitigate risks associated with volcanic activities.
Travelers and airline operators are strongly urged to remain updated with the latest information and adhere to the guidelines and advisories provided by the CAAP and PHIVOLCS. By doing so, they can play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of air travel during this period of volcanic unrest.
NOTAMs Issued by the CAAP
B1940/23 NOTAMR B1931/23 Q) RPHI/QWWLW/IV/NBO/W /000/100/1400N12059E999 A) RPHI B) 2306050136 C) 2306060100 EST E) DUE TO TAAL VOLCANO (1400N 12059E) ON ALERT LVL 1 (LOW-LVL UNREST), FLT OPS ARE ADZ TO AVOID FLY CLOSE TO THE VOLCANO'S SUMMIT AS AIRBORNE ASH AND BALLISTIC FRAGMENTS FM SUDDEN EXPLOSIONS MAY POSE HAZARDS TO ACFT. F) SFC G) FL100 CNS123W SEQUENCE CHECK FOR RPLLYNYX B -- EXPECTED B1941/23 -- RECEIVED B1940/23 CNN038W DUPLICATE NOTAM TRANSACTION ROLLED BACK, RETCODE = 14
B1944/23 NOTAMR B1941/23 Q) RPHI/QWWLW/IV/NBO/W /000/100/1315N12341E999 A) RPHI B) 2306050606 C) 2306060100 EST E) DUE TO MAYON VOLCANO (1315N 12341E) ON ALERT LVL 2 (INCREASING UNREST), FLT OPS ARE ADZ TO AVOID FLY CLOSE TO THE VOLCANO'S SUMMIT AS ASH FM ANY SUDDEN ERUPTION CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO ACFT. F) SFC G) FL100 CNS123W SEQUENCE CHECK FOR RPLLYNYX B -- EXPECTED B1945/23 -- RECEIVED B1944/23 CNN038W DUPLICATE NOTAM TRANSACTION ROLLED BACK, RETCODE = 14