Philippines Along With Hainan Island, Vietnam, and Laos, Experience Flight Delays Due to Co-May: What Travelers Must Know Now - Travel And Tour World

Philippines Along With Hainan Island, Vietnam, and Laos, Experience Flight Delays Due to Co-May: What Travelers Must Know Now Travel And Tour World

Philippines Along With Hainan Island, Vietnam, and Laos, Experience Flight Delays Due to Co-May: What Travelers Must Know Now Saturday, July 26, 2025 The Philippines has been grappling with the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Co-May, which has caused severe disruptions to air travel. The storm, which has affected several regions, has led to the cancellation of multiple flights, with tens of thousands of passengers stranded at airports across the country. Flight schedules have been significantly impacted, as air travel authorities work to ensure safety while managing the chaos caused by Co-May‘s torrential rains and gusty winds. Severe Weather Hits Air Travel On July 25, 2025, Tropical Storm Co-May struck the Philippines, impacting the northern region of the country, particularly Luzon. Known for its susceptibility to tropical storms, the Philippines faces continuous disruptions to its aviation network during the rainy season, but this storm’s intensity has further exacerbated the situation. As the storm made its way through Pangasinan province, Manila’s major airports – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Clark International Airport – saw heavy congestion due to the suspension of numerous flights. The storm’s path has left several areas in Luzon either flooded or inaccessible, forcing airlines to cancel both domestic and international flights in and out of the country. The storm’s winds reached speeds of up to 120 km/h (74 mph), while gusts reached 165 kph (102 mph), making flight conditions highly unsafe. Flight Cancellations and Airport Congestion The Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, was one of the hardest-hit, with multiple domestic flights grounded due to adverse weather conditions. The airline, along with several other carriers, made an early decision to cancel flights in advance to prevent potential accidents. As of the latest reports, over 100 flights were canceled, affecting travel plans for thousands of passengers. With Tropical Storm Co-May continuing its onslaught through the northern provinces, affected passengers were left stranded at airports, with limited assistance from airlines and authorities. Many travelers reported extended waiting times, with no clear communication about flight rescheduling or refunds. The storm has also disrupted international flights, especially those heading to and from East Asia. Airports like NAIA have seen long queues as travelers attempt to rebook their flights or seek alternative routes. Passengers traveling to countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and China were among the most affected, with some international airlines grounding their planes and diverting their operations to nearby airports in Vietnam and Thailand. Airline Response to Tropical Storm Co-May Airlines, recognizing the magnitude of the storm and the danger to flight safety, have put in place contingency measures to address the ongoing disruptions. As airports have been forced to close temporarily, airlines have offered limited accommodation for passengers who had nowhere to go. Some airlines have even arranged emergency transport for passengers, especially those stranded in remote or flood-affected areas. Philippine Airlines has provided refund options for those whose flights were affected, though many travelers complained of the complex procedures involved in processing their claims. Travelers who were unable to board flights on rescheduled days were also offered assistance in the form of hotel stays and meal vouchers, though these resources were limited, especially in areas where the storm had caused significant damage. Despite these efforts, there has been widespread frustration from travelers, particularly regarding the lack of timely communication about flight statuses. Several passengers reported confusion about whether their flights would be rescheduled, with many unaware of the storm’s severity and its potential impact on their travel plans. Airport Delays and Flight Restrictions Midway through the storm, NAIA experienced a backlog of departing and arriving flights, as the storm intensified. Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) have since placed restrictions on flight departures, particularly those traveling to regions directly in the storm’s path. In addition to the restrictions on outgoing flights, incoming flights were also redirected to alternative airports, leading to further delays and confusion. Travelers who were initially booked on flights to Manila were rerouted to Clark International Airport and Cebu-Mactan International Airport, further compounding the disarray in the aviation sector. The authorities have also imposed ground stops and delays in flight operations for the northern regions of the country, including the provinces of Iloilo, Cagayan, and Batangas, as these areas were significantly affected by the storm. Many passengers who had planned to fly to these regions were left without clear instructions regarding their travel alternatives. Government and Airline Cooperation To address the aviation disruption caused by Tropical Storm Co-May, the Philippine government and airlines have been collaborating closely. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has worked with the Philippine Coast Guard, military, and emergency services to ensure the safe transport of stranded passengers, particularly those affected by cancellations or delays. The Philippine government, in cooperation with airlines, is expected to offer further assistance in evacuating passengers from heavily affected areas, especially Manila and the northern provinces, where evacuation centers have become overwhelmed. In some cases, the Department of Transportation has been helping passengers in navigating alternative routes by air and land, as many roadways remain blocked due to landslides and floods. The government has also pledged to provide food and water supplies to stranded travelers, especially at airport terminals where services have been interrupted by the storm. Travel authorities are working to speed up recovery efforts, with the goal of getting flights back to normal once the storm subsides. Resuming Normal Operations As Co-May weakened and began moving northeastward, Philippine Airlines and other carriers began cautiously resuming flights in regions less affected by the storm. However, it will take several days for operations to return to full capacity. Airlines have assured passengers that they are working to clear the backlog, but travel disruptions are expected to persist through the coming weekend. Airline officials emphasized that safety remains their top priority, and they are closely monitoring weather conditions. They also reminded passengers that such disruptions, while unavoidable during the rainy season, are a necessary precaution to avoid accidents caused by flying in severe weather conditions. Looking Ahead: Travel Tips for Affected Passengers For those whose travel plans were severely impacted by Co-May, there are a few tips to keep in mind: Stay updated on flight statuses by checking the official airline website or mobile app.Contact customer service early to inquire about rebooking or refund options.Keep in mind that peak travel times and reduced capacity can increase delays.Prepare for long waits at airports. Pack essential items like snacks, water, and medicine.Check alternative routes through nearby airports if flights from your current airport are canceled. Conclusion: A Challenging Week for Air Travelers The disruption caused by Tropical Storm Co-May has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Philippine aviation sector to severe weather events. While efforts are underway to restore normalcy, passengers have faced significant challenges due to delayed or canceled flights. As always, the situation underscores the importance of effective communication between airlines, passengers, and aviation authorities, as well as the need for preparedness in the face of unpredictable natural events. The aviation industry and government agencies are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the storm, with the goal of providing timely support to affected travelers. However, the aftershocks of this storm are likely to continue to affect the region for the coming days, as further disruptions may arise. Travelers are encouraged to monitor developments closely and plan accordingly for potential delays in the coming days.