PAL scraps 150 flights due to radar repair, upgrade

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has cancelled 52 international and 98 domestic flights March 6 to 11 while a radar facility in Tagaytay City shuts down for repairs and an upgrade.

In an advisory on its official Facebook page last Friday, PAL said the flights were cancelled following the issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) regarding the temporary closure of the Tagaytay monopulse secondary surveillance radar (MSSR).

The facility guides planes headed for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The breakdown of PAL’s cancelled flights:

March 6 - 26 (10 international, 16 domestic)

March 7 - 30 (12 international, 18 domestic)

March 8 - 28 (10 international, 18 domestic)

March 9 - 26 (12 international, 14 domestic)

March 10 - 24 (8 international, 16 domestic) March 11 - 16 (16 domestic) The CAAP said the Tagaytay radar would integrate into its system world-class air traffic control.

PAL has advised affected passengers that they can rebook their tickets within 30 days from original date of departure without penalty provided within ticket validity, refund their ticket in full, or re-route to the next alternative nearest point within PAL’s network.

“We apologize for any inconvenience as Philippine Airlines continues to support our government’s drive to make air travel safe, secure and seamless for all passengers,” PAL said in its advisory.

Affected passengers were also advised to: Call PAL hotline at (02) 855-8888 to get the latest update on their flight schedules; go to the nearest PAL ticket office or travel agent who facilitated the issuance of their ticket; or email wecare@pal.com.ph