The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on the evening of February 4, 2024, due to the escalating unrest of the Mayon Volcano.
The Mayon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 2 due to its abnormal activity. As a result, flights are advised to steer clear of the volcano’s summit.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that a sudden phreatic eruption occurred at 4:37 PM.
The eruption, which lasted for four minutes and nine seconds, can spew hazardous ash to aircraft, prompting the prohibition of operations within 10,000 feet from the surface.
CAAP Area Center V Manager Cynthia Tumanut assures the public that continuous monitoring of Mayon Volcano is underway.
Despite the increasing unrest, there has been no detection of ashfall on the runway at Bicol International Airport. However, stringent inspections are being conducted to check for possible ashfall and other contaminants.
The NOTAM, identified as B0437/24, provides details about the eruption, including the date and time of the eruption, the existence and horizontal or vertical extent of the volcanic ash cloud, and the affected air routes.
Based on the issued NOTAM, the ash cloud is moving in a southwest direction, and the air routes affected include ALBAT-MASBA W8 and IPATA-MASBA B462.
Alternative routes are available for both northbound and southbound flights. Northbound flights can divert off the airway at MASBA, while southbound flights can use ALBAT W9 NGA.
The CAAP continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. The safety of all flights and passengers remains their top priority.
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