NAIA radar breaks down amid 'Mario'

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines CAAP) on Friday issued a notice to air operators that the Manila radar at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport malfunctioned as tropical storm "Mario" lashed at Metro Manila.

CAAP said that the radar is expected to be down from 3:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., limiting airport communications with approaching jets.

Only certain RNAV-capable planes such as Airbus 319 and Boeing 737 could be allowed to land as runways are closed to other types of aircraft.

CAAP deputy director general Captain John Andrews said in a radio interview that radar malfunction occurs occasionally, causing delays in the landing of planes.

The agency, meanwhile, also alerted the public of airport congestion with planes at the NAIA Terminal 3 with planes parked along the taxi way area.