LIST: No-fly zones during Pope Francis’ visit

MANILA, Philippines – (3rd UPDATE) At least 7 areas in the Philippines have been declared as no-fly zones as the country’s aviation body steps up to secure the visit of Pope Francis.

On Monday, January 12, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) advised all aircraft operators – from commercial flights to drones – that the following zones are deemed no-fly zone on given dates: 

• Malacañang 14 35 36.6N 120 59 29.13E

• January 16, 8:15 am–11:15 am
• Within 3 nautical miles (nm) from surface up to 18,000 feet

• Manila Cathedral 14 35 29.33N 120 58 25.27E
• January 16, 10:15 am–5:30 pm
• Within 3 nm from surface up to 18,000 feet

• SM Mall of Asia Arena 14 32 06N 120 58 55E
• January 16, 10:15–5:30 pm
• Within 1 nm radius from surface up to 18,000 feet

• Apostolic Nunciature 14 34 09.92N 120 59 32.86E
• January 17, 11:45 am–5:00 pm
• January 18–19, 5:00 pm–9:00 am
• Within 3 nm radius from surface up to 18,000 feet

• Cathedral of Palo, Leyte 11 09 33.28N 124 59 28.99E 
  
• January 17, 11:45 am–5:00 pm
• Within 10 nm radius from surface up to 18,000 feet

• UST Grandstand 14 36 28.83N 120 59 20.50E 
• January 18, 7:45 am–3:30 pm
• Within 3 nm radius from surface up to 18,000 feet

• Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park 14 35 18.00N 120 59 12.00E 
• January 18, 2:30 pm–7:30 pm
• Within 3 nm radius from surface up to 18,000 feet

Rodante Joya, CAAP deputy director general for operations, explained that the no-fly policy covers commercial flights, cargo flights, general aviation flights, flight training, radio-controlled aircraft operations, and unmanned aircraft system or drones.

“Violators may face fines between P300,000 ($6,684.59*) and P500,000 ($11,140.82) per apprehension,” said Joya. 

CAAP also advised grounding operations of all flying schools nationwide during Pope Francis’ visit.

“All flying schools follow CAAP’s directive that they should not conduct training and other operations during the notice of airmen (NOTAM) effectivity,” Joya added in a statement on Tuesday, January 13.

CAAP issued another NOTAM, Thursday, Jan. 15, prohibiting all general aviation flight operations on fixed and rotary wing aircraft to fly within the Philippines (MANILA FIR-Flight Information Region) due to special operations effective 5:00 am of Jan 17 until 7:59 am, Jan 19.

The  NOTAM includes overflight, entry-exit, sprayer, and foreign registered aircraft with general aviation operations.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) also reiterated Wednesday, Jan. 14, the no-fly zones for unmanned aerial vehicles, including unauthorized radio frequencies in the areas cited and the routes of the papal convoy.

Apart from the added no-fly zones, there will be limited operations at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) beginning January 15 until January 19. – Rappler.com

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