I can imagine the stress and the emotions that were caused by the cancellation of 50 domestic and international flights last Saturday due to the breakdown an antiquated navigational equipment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Reports said NAIA’s Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range (VOR) — a device that directs aircrafts to the runway especially when there is poor visibility – broke down which caused Cebu Pacific several of its flights. Same thing with Dragon Air and Zest Air.
Philippine Air lines diverted the landing of three of their flights at the height of heavy rains when visibility became zero.
Flights have resumed although the VOR is still being repaired. Quoting a technical assistant of Alfonso Cusi, who is now head of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and is the one in charge of the VOR, said they borrowed the equipment at the Subic International Airport.
Atty. Melvin Matibag, the new general manager of the Manila International Airport, said the VOR is just one of the navigational equipments and airport operations can continue without it. In fact he said, Cebu Pacific had resumed flights Sunday even if the VOR is still being repaired.