MANILA- Amidst of the ongoing unrest of Taal, Mayon, and Kanlaon volcanoes, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is continuously updating its Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) to inform and alert flying aircraft of the current alert levels and associated risks related to the volcanic activities.
CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said NOTAM B1973/23 has been issued to address the current alert level of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island and will be in effect from 07 June 2023, 9:26AM until 08 June 2023, 9:00AM.
The volcano is currently on alert level 1, indicating an abnormal condition. Flight operators are strongly advised to avoid flying in close proximity to the volcano’s summit due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.
Such eruptions may pose a significant hazard to aircraft from the surface up to 10,000 feet. Additionally, entry within the 4km radius of the permanent danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano has been prohibited.
Apolonio added that NOTAM B1974/23 has been issued to highlight the alert level status of Taal Volcano in Batangas and will be in effect from 07 June 2023, 9:27AM until 08 June 2023, 9:00AM.
The volcano is presently on alert level 1, indicating low-level unrest. Flight operators are advised to steer clear of the volcano’s summit as airborne ash and ballistic fragments resulting from sudden explosions can pose significant hazards to aircraft from the surface up to 10,000 feet. In addition to this, entry to the island where Taal Volcano is situated has been prohibited.
Apolonio also said that NOTAM B1975/23 has been issued to address the increasing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol Region and will be in effect from 07 June 2023, 9:27AM until 08 June 2023, 9:00AM.
The volcano is currently on alert level 2. Flight operators are strongly advised to avoid flying near the summit of Mayon Volcano as any sudden eruption can emit ash that may be hazardous to aircraft from the surface up to 10,000 feet.
Additionally, entry within the 6km radius of the permanent danger zone of Mayon Volcano has been prohibited.
The CAAP operates seven airports in the Bicol Region, namely: Bulan Airport, Sorsogon Airport, Daet Airport, Masbate Airport, Naga Airport, Virac Airport, and Bicol International Airport.
The CAAP stresses d the significance of the updated NOTAMs in order to guarantee the security of all air travel.
The authority said it continues to closely monitor the volcanic activities and will provide further updates as necessary.