Travel Chaos Strikes Philippines As Over 142 Flight Cancellations and 221 Delays at Mactan and Manila Airports Caused by Typhoon Tino, Affecting Major Airlines Like PAL, Cathay Pacific, Scoot, United, Emirates, Scoot, and More

Travel chaos struck Philippines yesterday as over 142 flight cancellations and 221 delays at Mactan and Manila airports were caused by Typhoon Tino, disrupting both domestic and international air travel. The storm’s intense winds and heavy rains led to the grounding of flights from major airlines like Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cathay Pacific, Scoot, United, and Emirates. These widespread disruptions left passengers stranded or facing significant delays as the country grappled with the severe weather conditions brought on by the typhoon.

Yesterday, Typhoon Tino ( Kalmaegi) caused widespread travel disruptions across the Philippines, particularly at Mactan-Cebu and Manila International Airports. With over 142 flight cancellations and 221 delays, the storm significantly impacted both domestic and international air travel. Major airlines such as Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cathay Pacific, Scoot, United, Emirates, and others were all affected by the typhoon, leaving many passengers stranded or facing delays.

Typhoon Tino: The Cause of the Travel Havoc

Typhoon Tino intensified rapidly, entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 2 November 2025. By yesterday, the storm’s winds had escalated, reaching sustained speeds of up to 150 km/h near the center. As the typhoon’s heavy rains and fierce winds lashed the central and southern regions of the country, Mactan-Cebu and Manila International Airports began to experience severe flight disruptions.

Authorities had forecasted the storm’s impact, and passengers were warned about the potential dangers. However, the scale of the delays and cancellations yesterday left many travelers reeling from unexpected itinerary changes.

Airlines Affected and Scale of Disruptions

• Philippine Airlines (PAL): PAL was one of the most affected carriers, with 70% of its scheduled flights cancelled. This included numerous domestic routes, including Manila to Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao. International flights, including connections to Hong Kong and Singapore, also suffered significant delays and cancellations.
• PAL Express: With 62% of its flights cancelled, PAL Express, the regional carrier for PAL, faced heavy disruptions, particularly for flights bound for Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and General Santos. A mix of small turboprop aircraft and larger jets were grounded due to the hazardous weather conditions.
• Cathay Pacific: The Hong Kong-based airline cancelled several flights to Manila, Cebu, and other regional hubs, while some flights from the Philippines were delayed due to the storm’s impact. Affected routes included flights to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Singapore.
• Scoot and United Airlines: Both Scoot and United Airlines were not spared from the storm’s impact. While only a few of their flights were grounded, Scoot, in particular, faced long delays yesterday. Flights from Manila to Singapore were pushed back by hours, creating travel uncertainty for passengers.
• Emirates: The UAE-based carrier was also among those affected. Emirates reported flight delays and cancellations, especially for its Manila-Dubai route. Passengers heading from Mactan-Cebu to Dubai were also impacted by the weather yesterday.
• Other Airlines: United, Qatar Airways, Air Busan, and Singapore Airlines were all impacted to varying degrees. For instance, United Airlines had one of its flights to Narita delayed by several hours, while Qatar Airways cancelled several routes, including those heading to Doha.
• Cebu Pacific: With over 7% of its flights delayed, Cebu Pacific had significant disruptions yesterday, especially for flights between Manila and Cebu, as well as Manila and Iloilo. Many passengers were forced to rebook their flights and faced extended waiting times.
• Philippines AirAsia: The budget carrier had relatively fewer cancellations, but delays still caused havoc, particularly for those traveling from Manila to Iloilo and Caticlan, a popular gateway to Boracay.

Cancelled Departures at Mactan and Manila Airports

The airports in the affected regions had to suspend several flights yesterday, leading to severe inconvenience for passengers. Here are some of the notable cancelled departures across Mactan-Cebu International and Manila International Airports due to Typhoon Tino:

• Mactan-Cebu Airport:
  • CPA926 (Hong Kong): Canceled due to storm surge and hazardous winds.
  • GAP2365 (Francisco Bangoy): Canceled after safety concerns.
  • GAP2388 (Iloilo): Weather conditions worsened.
  • GAP2287 (New Bacolod-Silay): Grounded due to poor visibility.
  • GAP2357 (General Santos): Canceled with no chance of rescheduling.
  • GAP2368 (Caticlan): Flight canceled as strong gusts disrupted airport operations.
• Manila Airport:
  • PAL1279 (New Bacolod-Silay): Canceled due to heavy winds and storm warnings.
  • GAP2854 (Manila): Grounded as authorities declared operational shutdowns in several terminals.
  • GAP2850 (Manila): Another flight into Manila delayed by several hours.
  • GAP2664 (Francisco Reyes): Cancelled, leaving tourists in uncertainty.
  • PAL1852 (Manila): Delayed by several hours, pushing travelers’ itineraries further back.

Impact on Passengers and Travel Plans

The typhoon’s disruption yesterday led to major passenger inconveniences. Many travelers were left stranded at airports, facing long delays or the cancellation of their flights. Airlines scrambled to accommodate passengers and rebook them on alternative routes, though the high demand and storm conditions made the process slower than usual.

For those unable to board their flights, airlines worked with local authorities to provide temporary shelter and food assistance. The typhoon’s aftermath meant some airports had to deal with the inability to operate fully due to flooding, poor visibility, and risk of flying under dangerous conditions.

Airport Operations and Safety Measures

Both Mactan-Cebu International and Manila International Airports took necessary safety precautions. While the airports remained operational to an extent, the storm’s intensity forced them to temporarily halt operations. The airports’ runways and aircraft parking areas were cleared of debris, and emergency services were on high alert to manage any unexpected incidents.

In terms of air traffic control, the Philippine Civil Aviation Authority (PCA) issued advisories to pilots, grounding flights until the conditions improved. The aviation authorities also issued alerts regarding poor visibility and high winds, preventing takeoffs and landings at the affected airports.

How the Philippine Government Responded

The Philippine government quickly implemented disaster response protocols to mitigate the impact of Typhoon Tino. Authorities suspended sea travel and ferry services, while issuing travel advisories in regions like Eastern Samar, Iloilo, and Leyte, where the storm was expected to cause the most damage. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) coordinated efforts to evacuate citizens from coastal areas and vulnerable regions, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao.

In addition, local businesses, including hotels and resorts, were advised to prepare for potential evacuations. Tourists were encouraged to stay updated through official channels and avoid travel in affected areas.

What Passengers Can Do During Typhoon Disruptions

For passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed due to Typhoon Tino, here are some important steps to follow:

1. Check for Updates: Stay connected with your airline for updates on the status of your flight. Many airlines offer mobile apps or websites where real-time information is updated regularly.
2. Rebook Flights: If your flight has been canceled, airlines typically offer free rebooking options. Be prepared for long waiting times at customer service counters.
3. Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check if your policy covers trip delays, cancellations, and expenses incurred due to storms.
4. Airport Assistance: For stranded passengers, airports often provide temporary shelters, food, and drinks. Stay in the designated waiting areas for updates.
5. Stay Safe: If you are at the airport during severe weather conditions, follow all safety instructions from airport and airline personnel to avoid unnecessary risks.

The Road to Recovery

As Typhoon Tino continues its path out of the Philippine islands, recovery efforts are already underway. The storm’s intensity is beginning to wane, but the damage done to infrastructure, transportation, and travel schedules will take time to fully address. Aviation authorities will likely return operations to normal soon, though ongoing delays in flight scheduling may still persist for the next few days as they work through the backlog of disrupted services.

For the tourism industry, the recovery will also be a challenge as tourists reschedule their vacations, leading to a dip in arrivals for the next few weeks. However, the government’s proactive steps in managing the situation provide hope that the country will bounce back swiftly.

Travel chaos struck the Philippines yesterday as over 142 flight cancellations and 221 delays at Mactan and Manila airports were caused by Typhoon Tino. The powerful storm disrupted air travel, affecting major airlines like PAL, Cathay Pacific, Scoot, United, and Emirates.

Yesterday, Typhoon Tino created massive travel disruptions in the Philippines, with over 142 flight cancellations and 221 delays affecting major airports like Mactan and Manila. Passengers traveling through airlines such as PAL, Cathay Pacific, Scoot, Emirates, and United faced extended waiting times, cancellations, and rebooking issues. As the storm moves away from the region, the road to recovery for both airports and passengers will require time and patience. The Philippine government’s swift action and the airlines’ commitment to assisting their passengers will be key in restoring normalcy to air travel in the coming days.