Several domestic flights operated by Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific were cancelled on Saturday, following a global safety alert from aircraft maker Airbus that affects its A320 Family jets.
Airbus issued the advisory after analysis showed that intense solar radiation can corrupt data critical to flight-control systems, posing a risk for A320 and A321 aircraft. To address the problem, airlines worldwide were ordered to apply urgent software and/or hardware updates before affected planes can fly again.
In the Philippines, the move led to the grounding of a number of A320-family jets and cancellation of at least 78 domestic flights by PAL and Cebu Pacific.
Airlines have told affected passengers they may rebook their trips, convert tickets to travel credits, or request refunds. PAL and Cebu Pacific also urged travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Officials say the software update — mandated globally by air regulators — is a precautionary measure to preserve passenger safety, even though it has disrupted many travel plans across the country.
