Gov't bars flying schools from training during Papal visit

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government said today that flying schools across nation are barred from conducting training during Pope Francis' visit here.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Deputy Director General for Operations Rodante Joya said a notice to airmen was issued grounding the operations of these flying schools starting 6:00 a.m. on January 15 to 11:00 a.m. on January 19.

The CAAP earlier also issued notice to airmen that during the Papal visit, a no fly zone would be declared in certain areas from three nautical miles radius from surface up to 18,000 feet where the Pontiff will visit and hold activities.

It also imposed "no drone policy" during the same period.

Aside from Manila, the Pope will also visit Leyte, a province in central Philippines hardly hit by typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.