The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) temporarily halted operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on Wednesday due to a red lightning advisory. The suspension was initiated after the Airport Ground Operations and Safety Division issued a Lightning Red Alert at 11:45 a.m.
“Flight and ground operations are temporarily suspended. This alert is a safety measure taken to prevent untoward incidents from happening when lightning is prevalent in the immediate area and may endanger personnel, passengers, and even flight operations,” stated the MIAA.
Operations resumed at 12:54 p.m. once the alert was downgraded to Yellow.
This decision followed a thunderstorm advisory from the state weather bureau at 11:42 a.m., which forecasted moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds in various areas, including Rizal, Bulacan, and Metro Manila.
“The above conditions are being experienced in Metro Manila (Quezon City, Parañaque) and Zambales (Cabangan) which may persist within 2 hours and may affect nearby areas,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) mentioned.
Pagasa also reported that the southwesterly wind flow, enhanced by Typhoon Aghon, is bringing rain to the western regions of the country. Isolated rain showers and thunderstorms were expected in other parts of the Philippines. Typhoon Aghon is anticipated to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Wednesday.