Flight restrictions near Mayon extended, CAAP says

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has extended its Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting flights near Mayon Volcano in Albay.

The latest advisory, issued Friday, states the NOTAM will be in effect from 12 December, 7:15 a.m. to 13 December, 9:00 a.m., covering airspace from the surface up to 11,000 feet.

Flight operators are advised to avoid flying close to the volcano, which remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest.

CAAP also extended a separate NOTAM issued on 10 December, which was effective from 11 December, 9:12 a.m. to 12 December, 9:00 a.m.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 17 rockfall events and moderate plumes drifting southwest in its latest 24-hour bulletin on 12 December. Phivolcs further noted that the Mayon volcano edifice remains inflated.

Meanwhile, the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council issued an advisory on 10 December following Phivolcs’ observation of new and shallow magma within Mayon.

The advisory reiterated a strict ban on human activity inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, including mountain climbing, ATV riding, orchid picking, and vegetable harvesting. Visitors of the Mayon Skyline Hotel are also prohibited from accessing the area during night time.