The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has imposed a ban on airplanes flying within 10,000 feet of the Taal and Mayon volcanoes due to their ongoing unrest.
Pilots have been advised to steer clear of the summit areas as sudden phreatic eruptions can release ash, posing a significant hazard to aircraft.
Recently, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level for Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 2, citing an increase in rockfall from the summit lava dome.
On the other hand, Taal Volcano remains at Alert Level 1.
However, recent reports indicate heightened degassing activity, resulting in steam-rich plumes reaching 3,000 meters above Taal Volcano Island.
Consequently, volcanic smog, commonly known as vog, has formed over Taal Caldera, affecting the municipalities of Balete, Laurel, and Agoncillo in Batangas.
The CAAP oversees the operations of seven airports in the Bicol Region, namely: Bulan Airport, Sorsogon Airport, Daet Airport, Masbate Airport, Naga Airport, Virac Airport, and Bicol International Airport.
These airports will be affected by the flight restrictions implemented in response to the volcanic unrest.
