Philippine Volcano Eruption... Domestic Travel Agencies Expect Flight Operations from Afternoon

A volcano erupted on the 12th on an island about 65 km south of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, covering the Tagaytay area with volcanic ash.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Heo Midam] Due to the eruption of Taal volcano near Manila, the capital of the Philippines, some flights have been canceled, but the travel industry expects flight operations to resume from this afternoon. It is predicted that takeoffs and landings at some closed airports may be allowed.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press, Taal volcano began steam activity around 11 a.m. on the 12th (local time), producing loud noises and vibrations similar to thunder.

The Taal volcano, which started emitting volcanic ash, created a tephra (volcanic ejecta) column reaching 10 to 15 km in height around 7:30 p.m.

The volcanic ash fell as far north as Quezon City in the metropolitan area. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) immediately issued a level 4 alert.

Subsequently, volcanic ash from the Taal eruption fell on nearby provinces several kilometers away and as far north as Quezon City. The ash covered the runway, and from 6 p.m. that day, flight operations at Manila International Airport were completely suspended, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

However, major domestic travel agencies expect operations to normalize from this afternoon (the 13th). A travel agency official told Asia Economy, "Most flights are currently resuming normal operations," adding, "All flights were canceled on the afternoon of the 12th, but partial takeoffs and landings occurred from early morning to morning on the 13th. Local media also reported that Manila Airport and Clark Airport are expected to normalize from the afternoon of the 13th."

Regarding reports that Clark Airport was closed, the official said, "It was closed, but the damage situation is not as bad as Manila, so flights are currently taking off."

Regarding the return schedule of Korean tourists, the official said, "I understand that some flights have been departing since this morning. Since operations are expected to normalize from the afternoon, I think all flights will depart today."

Another travel agency official also commented on the status of Korean victims, "Korean tourists traveling to Manila may experience inconvenience due to volcanic ash, but as far as I know, no one has been directly harmed."

Regarding flight schedules, the official said, "It seems that normal operations can resume soon," but added, "There are changes in the operation schedule, so the situation needs to be monitored."

An industry official said, "Koreans at the local airport are waiting as they heard that operations will resume from this evening," and predicted, "Once operations resume, tourists and others will return to Korea within tonight."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.