Stranded passengers waiting in line at NAIA. SUPPLIED

Hundreds of passengers stranded at NAIA on New Year’s Day due to ‘technical difficulties’

Flights to and from Metro Manila were halted on New Year's Day (January 1) due to "technical difficulties" with the air traffic management system. According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), which runs the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, more than 360 flights have been canceled, diverted to other airports, or delayed as of 7:30pm on Sunday (NAIA). More than 65,000 people have been affected at NAIA, the principal international airport serving Metro Manila and neighboring areas. The air traffic management system was "partially restored" at about 4pm on Sunday, enabling "limited flight operations," according to MIAA. Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR222 from Brisbane, Australia, was the first to land following the partial restoration at 4:55 p.m. According to CAAP, the malfunction was detected at 9:50 am on Sunday. Air traffic management systems handle aircraft departures, landings, and plane passage through a country's airspace. Flights had to be canceled "to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft," according to CAAP. BKM/ Expat Media
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