Why Laoag International Airport Night Flights Are Suspended Until January 7

January 4, 2026 at 10:43 AM•3 min read

CAAP extended the Laoag International Airport NOTAM until January 7, suspending night flights due to a short circuit in the runway lighting system, impacting Philippine Airlines

Key Points

1CAAP extended the Laoag International Airport NOTAM until 10:00 p.m. on January 7, 2026, due to a runway lighting system short circuit.
2The extension suspends all night flights, limiting operations to day visual meteorological conditions.
3The disruption led to the cancellation and rescheduling of at least two Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights between Manila and Laoag.
4Temporary wiring was installed for partial lighting restoration while permanent repairs are underway to ensure air navigation safety.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has again extended the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for Laoag International Airport (LAO).

This extension is due to an ongoing issue with the airport's runway lighting system. The NOTAM now keeps night flights suspended until 10:00 p.m. on January 7, 2026. This action limits all takeoffs and landings to day visual meteorological conditions.

Technical Issue and Regulatory Action

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio confirmed the latest extension. The initial NOTAM was issued on January 3. This followed a short circuit that rendered the edge light at Runway 01/19 unusable. The runway lighting system is critical for safe night operations.

CAAP's Air Navigation Services (ANS) installed temporary wiring. This step partially restored the system's functionality. Permanent repairs are currently underway to fully fix the system. CAAP assures the public that aviation safety remains its top priority. The decision to suspend night operations was made solely in the interest of safety. Adherence to the CAAP NOTAM extended guidance is mandatory for all air operators.

Impact on Laoag Airport Operations

The night flight suspension has already caused disruptions for travelers. At least two Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights were canceled. These were Flight PR 2198 (Manila to Laoag) and Flight PR 2199 (Laoag to Manila). The airline rescheduled these flights to operate during the daytime.

The NOTAM limits operations to day visual meteorological condition.
Airlines must adjust schedules or cancel night-time services.
Passengers should check their flight status before traveling.

Restoring the runway lighting system to full operational status is a top priority. This will allow the airport to resume its normal 24-hour service. The airport is a vital gateway for the Ilocos Norte region.

Broader Regulatory Context

This Laoag International Airport issue follows other recent regulatory actions by the CAAP. The regulator recently issued a separate NOTAM for the Mayon Volcano area. That NOTAM prohibited aircraft operations within 11,000 feet above the summit. This was in response to the volcano being raised to Alert Level 2. Volcanic ash is a serious hazard to air navigation safety. CAAP continues to coordinate closely with all relevant agencies. They remind air operators to strictly comply with all issued NOTAMs. For the latest on commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines manages several key regional airports. These include the Bicol International Airport and others in the Bicol Region. The CAAP's role is to ensure all Philippine airports meet international safety standards, which is why they issue NOTAMs like the one for Laoag.