Air regulatory board suspends Tacloban flights on day of Pope’s visit

MANILA – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced that it will be suspending flights to and from Tacloban on January 17, on account of Pope Francis’ visit to the province.

Passengers flying to and from the area on that date have been advised to rebook their tickets.
In an advisory to its passengers, PAL said that the cancellations were made per a directive from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to suspend all airline operations in Tacloban on said date. The CAAP cited security reasons for issuing the order.

The airline noted that passengers affected by the decision may get in touch with the PAL Reservations office in order to rebook or refund their tickets.

PAL has been designated as official carrier of the Pope for his visit to the Philippines.
Earlier, the CAAP had also issued a “no fly-zone” order covering all venues that the Pope will visit on his January 15-19 trip.

Media members are required to seek special permission from the CAAP, for the purpose of news coverage.