PASAY CITY, 03 June 2024 – The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) again seeks the understanding and cooperation of the flying public when flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are briefly halted owing to bad weather and lightning strikes.
Following the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announcement of the rainy season on Wednesday, May 29, significant rains and thunderstorms are expected nationwide. That same day, NAIA experienced six lightning alerts, each averaging one hour and two minutes in Lightning Red Alert status and subsequently downgraded to Lightning Yellow Alert. Notably, on May 17, twelve lightning alerts were reported in a single day.
In these situations, the MIAA Airport Ground Operations and Safety Division (AGOSD) issue a Lightning Red Alert, leading to a temporary suspension of all flight and ground movements at the ramp. Operations will remain on hold until the alert is downgraded to Yellow, signaling that flight operations can resume.
“Airports worldwide adopt their respective lightning alert level systems to protect the lives of airport workers at the ramp. NAIA also has its own.
Apart from the lightning alert system and for their added protection, we also have lightning shelters around the ramp area where workers can seek cover when a lightning red alert is issued, " GM Eric Ines explained.
Commercial airplanes now have conducting paths througout the aircraft that can withstand and protect it from a lightning strike.
Meanwhile, NAIA is equipped with twenty lightning arresters strategically located around the ramp area. These equipment are designed to protect electrical and telecommunication facilities from power surges brought about by lightning strikes. The arresters capture and direct lightning surges safely to the ground.
"While the convenience and protection of our passengers remain our paramount concern, equally important are the lives of ramp workers who make things happen in flight operations," the airport chief said.
Additionally, the airport chief urged airline operators to make announcements onboard aircraft when they are held on the ground or while enroute to NAIA, ensuring passengers are kept informed about the situation.