No-fly zone near Mayon extended

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced on Sunday that it has extended the restriction on aircraft operations near Mayon Volcano due to heightened volcanic activity.

According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), flights are prohibited within the vicinity of Mayon Volcano from the surface up to an altitude of 11,000 feet. The restriction will remain in effect until 9 a.m. on Monday, 5 January.

CAAP advised all flight operators to steer clear of the affected airspace, noting that Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2.

The NOTAM emphasized that pilots should exercise extreme caution when operating near the volcano, as sudden phreatic eruptions could eject volcanic ash into the air. Such ash poses a significant risk to aircraft, including potential engine failure and reduced visibility.

The extended flight ban follows an earlier NOTAM issued on 10 December, after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported lava flow activity at Mayon Volcano. At the time of the initial advisory, the volcano was under Alert Level 1.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and CAAP said further advisories will be issued as necessary to ensure aviation safety.