CAAP sees no flight disruptions despite North Korea’s ‘satellite’ launch
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 30) — Flight operations mounted by local airlines will not be affected even as Philippine aviation authorities issued a precaution to pilots amid North Korea’s plan to launch a “satellite” between May 31 to June 11, officials said Tuesday.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the notice to airmen (NOTAM) was issued following reports of North Korea's upcoming satellite launch.
Apolonio said there will be no affected flights as the area is “far” from the flight path of commercial airlines operating in the Philippines. He also provided a photo showing an area in the Pacific Ocean.
Japan’s Defense Ministry on Monday warned it would destroy any North Korean missile that enters its territory after Pyongyang notified the country of plans to launch a “satellite” between May 31 and June 11, CNN reported from Tokyo.
The report said North Korea plans to launch its satellite toward the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and east of Luzon, Philippines.
CAAP Deputy Director General for Operations Edgardo Diaz said flight rerouting is possible.
The CAAP did not specify which airspace or zones would be covered by the NOTAM, but added the area is in the Pacific Ocean.
Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines, in separate statements, said their operations are not affected despite the CAAP’s notice.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, meanwhile, has yet to respond to a request for comment.
CNN Philippines Correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report.
