The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported no damage at the Cotabato and General Santos airports left in the wake of a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that hit the area at 11:36 pm on Monday.
“Managers of both airports immediately assessed and inspected the structures and confirmed the absence of any significant damage to the passenger terminal buildings and other airport facilities,” the CAAP said.
According to the agency, the General Santos Airport has resumed normal flight operations, with both the terminal and runway open and fully operational.
“While there are no reports of expected damage, PHIVOLCS has advised that aftershocks are possible following an earthquake of this magnitude. CAAP already coordinated with local authorities and agencies to prepare in the event of any aftershocks,” the CAAP said.
CAAP also said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to ensure the smooth and safe operation of flights in the affected areas.
The Cotabato Airport, whose airside operations are managed by the CAAP, is still closed for development from 6 July 2023 (02:10 PM) to 18 August 2023 (04:00 PM) as stated in the notice to airmen (NOTAM) released earlier for the information of stakeholders.
The closure is due to the ongoing asphalt overlay and repainting of runway markings. During this period, the airport will not be handling fixed wing aircraft and no commercial flights will be received.
The airport’s landside operations, meanwhile, are managed by the Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA) under the BARMM Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC).
