The Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) and its sister airline CebGo have announced the cancelation of their flights to Dipolog City beginning Thursday until the end of the month due to a damaged pavement of Runway 02 of the local airport.
Suspended from July 20 to 31 were CEB Dipolog-Manila flights 5J-703, 5J-704, 5J-705 and 5J-706.
Also canceled were CebGo Dipolog flights DG-6603 and DG-6604.
“As safety is of paramount concern, operations are temporarily suspended until we receive verification that the runway is safe for landing and take-off,” the CEB management said in a statement.
The airline is mounting recovery flights to Ozamiz City as an alternative to Dipolog.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding,” the statement added.
On Wednesday, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) released a notice to airmen declaring the closure of a portion of the Dipolog Airport’s runway that is undergoing repair.
“While several commercial flights at the airport were cancelled today, the airport continues to be operational,” said CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio.
He said a flight inspection conducted by PAL safety personnel also found that the surface of Dipolog Airport’s runway is usable and that the areas of concern are on the sides of the runway pavement, which will not affect aircraft take-off and landing.
CAAP officials asked the passengers affected by the cancelled flights to contact their respective airlines for more information.