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CAAP issues notice on closure of Surigao Airport due to quake
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued Saturday morning a notice to airmen (NOTAM) regarding the closure of the Surigao Airport until March 10. (Photo by Paolobon140 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0)
CAAP Area Center Xll manager Evangeline Daba said a 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit Surigao City at about 10:03 p.m. Friday, causing damage to the 1,700-meter runway 18/36 of Surigao Airport that needs immediate repair and rehabilitation.
Daba added that the airport terminal, except for some broken windows and cracked tiles, had minimal damages.
She cited that PAL Express and Cebu Pacific operate daily flights to Surigao Airport from Manila.
“The nearest alternative route for passengers to reach Surigao City is to take flights to and from Butuan Airport, which is a two-hour drive by land,” CAAP said.
Meanwhile, CAAP director general Jim Sydiongco immediately instructed Daba and the CAAP engineering team to expedite the repair and rehabilitation of the damaged portions of runway 18/36.
CAAP assured the public that it is doing its best to accelerate the repair and to put Surigao Airport back to its normal operations very soon.
