SINGAPORE - At least 37 flights between Singapore and Manila were cancelled or rescheduled on Monday (Jan 13) after a volcano erupted south of the Philippine capital of Manila.
Of the 37 flights, 18 were cancelled and 19 delayed.
Affected airlines include Singapore Airlines (SIA), Scoot, Jetstar Airways and Philippine Airlines, according to Changi Airport's website.
On Sunday, the Taal volcano spewed a massive cloud of ash that drifted across Manila, shutting down the Philippine capital's international airport. But flight operations partially resumed on Monday, said local airport authorities.
Partial operations resumed by 2am GMT for departures and 4am GMT for arrivals (10am and 12pm respectively, Singapore time) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, reported Reuters.
Among the flights affected after the volcanic eruption were those from SIA. It cancelled at least two flights and four others, such as SQ912, which was originally scheduled to depart Singapore for Manila at 12.15pm but was delayed to 3pm.
There is no time difference between Singapore and the Philippines.
An SIA spokesman said on Monday: "Our staff are assisting to rebook passengers affected by the flight disruptions. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates to these and other Manila flights via our website or our social media pages."
Jetstar Airways cancelled scheduled flights between Singapore and Manila, as well as between Singapore and Clark, following the suspension of all flights due to the volcanic ash at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, a Jetstar spokesman said. Three flights between Singapore and Clark were cancelled.
"We have contacted all impacted customers via e-mail and SMS and provided them with alternatives including changing their date of travel or opting to receive a refund in the form of a flight voucher. We continue to monitor the situation closely."
Scoot also confirmed that several of its flights were affected by the volcanic activity. For instance, TR392 from Singapore to Manila, originally scheduled to depart at 5.15am was pushed back to 10am on Monday.
TR391 from Manila to Singapore, scheduled to depart on Sunday, was grounded at Ninoy Aquino International Airport due to the airport's closure after the eruption. It has since been re-timed to leave Manila on Monday at 4pm and renamed as TR391D, a Scoot spokesman said.
During the delays, meal vouchers and refreshments were provided to customers, he added.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely. Customers are encouraged to check their e-mails registered with us, as well as Scoot's website," said the spokesman.
"As the situation remains uncertain, customers are encouraged to prepare for possible contingencies in their travel plans, including purchasing travel insurance."
Philippine Airlines cancelled at least three flights and rescheduled at least two between Singapore and Manila.
Travel agencies said they are closely monitoring the situation in the light of the volcanic eruption.
Chan Brothers Travel told ST that it currently does not have any travel groups in the Philippines and no customers have been affected. The agency has also not received any cancellations or changes in tour plans.
"Customer safety is our utmost priority and we are closely monitoring the local situation (in the Philippines) to assess its continual development by keeping in touch with our ground operators and airline partners for information as it streams in," said Ms Victoria Chong, the company's marketing communications executive.
"If required, necessary changes to flights and itineraries will be made in order to allow our travellers to continue their programmes as scheduled as far as possible."
