CAAP restricts flights near Taal, Bulusan, Kanlaon amid volcanic unrest

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) on Monday restricting flights near Taal, Bulusan, and Kanlaon volcanoes.

Effective from 13 to 14 October, the NOTAMs cover airspace around the three volcanoes within the following parameters:

• Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province: From the surface up to 10,000 feet, effective 8:22 AM on 13 October until 9:00 AM on 14 October.

• Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island: From the surface up to 11,000 feet, effective 8:15 AM until 9:00 AM on 14 October.

• Taal Volcano in Batangas province: From the surface up to 11,000 feet, effective 8:17 AM until 9:00 AM on 14 October.

CAAP advised flight operators to avoid flying near volcanic summits and to remain cautious by monitoring the NOTAMs.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a minor phreatic eruption at the summit crater of Taal Volcano at 11:42 a.m. on Monday.

In Phivolcs’ 24-hour volcano bulletin, 21 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal over the past 24 hours, with sulfur dioxide emissions estimated at 272 tonnes per day and plume activity reaching 1,800 meters high before drifting west-southwest.

Both Taal and Bulusan remain under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest.

Over the weekend, Kanlaon emitted ash early Sunday morning, while increased activity was also observed at Bulusan.

In the past 24 hours, Kanlaon recorded 55 volcanic earthquakes, with its sulfur dioxide flux at around 1,205 tonnes per day, while plume emissions reached 300 meters high before drifting southeast. It remains under Alert Level 2, or increased unrest.

Phivolcs reminded the public that entry into the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) of the three volcanoes remains strictly prohibited and urged vigilance against possible hazards such as phreatic eruptions, ashfall, and volcanic gas emissions.