'No-fly zone' recommended in Manila, Leyte for Papal visit

MANILA, Philippines - A "no-fly zone" may be implemented on the airspaces of Manila, Tacloban and Palo, Leyte during the visit of Pope Francis from January 15 to 19.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado said on Tuesday that they will recommend to President Benigno Aquino III that no aircraft be allowed to fly above the said areas while activities of the Pope are ongoing.

"So far (this) is our position, to ensure the safety and security of the Pope," Delgado said, adding that the approval of the "no-fly" zone will come from the president.

All available air assets of the PAF will be deployed in the Pope's itineraries to ensure maximum security.

READ: Snipers, air cover to be deployed for Pope Francis arrival

Meanwhile, government agencies and airlines are set to meet on Wednesday to plan the airlines' implementation of revised flight schedules. Preferences of the passengers who will be affected would also be considered.

Several flights have been canceled for the arrival of Pope Francis in the country.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) earlier announced that there will be no flights arriving in all NAIA Terminals from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on January 15 and from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on January 19.

“The prerogative to cancel, advance, delay or divert flights rests on the airline companies. Whatever it is, MIAA and other government agencies in NAIA will support them,” MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado said.

Passengers who have flights on the said dates are encouraged to arrive at the airport before the NAIA complex closes at 3:00 p.m. on January 15 and 7:00 a.m. on January 19.

The NAIA Complex will only be accessible through the South Superhighway through Bicutan, Alabang and Sucat roads on these dates.