By Ulysses Torres Sabuco
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
SAIPAN’S main air and sea gateways remain largely inaccessible following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with operations limited or suspended due to infrastructure damage and operational constraints.
The Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport temporarily halted commercial operations due to runway damage and operational limitations. The airport is currently open only for relief and rescue flights, with operations limited to daytime hours.
According to an update issued by the Commonwealth Ports Authority on Monday evening, the airport sustained damage to its navigation aids and all six passenger boarding bridges. The facility had no commercial power, was partially operating on generators, and had no running water.
Meanwhile, the Port of Saipan remains closed under “Port Heavy Weather Condition,” with port generators down and dock lights damaged. The Port of Tinian is under Port Heavy Weather Condition Whiskey.
Rota’s Benjamin T. Manglona International Airport remains open to receive flights, while Tinian International Airport is open only for humanitarian flights and limited daytime operations.
Beginning today, Wednesday, remaining rescue flights operated by United Airlines will continue service.
United said it will continue to operate daily flights at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, which has been restored and is now operational, signaling the start of limited airport operations.
But T’Way Air, Hong Kong Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and United Airlines have canceled flights until further notice.
Rescue flights
According to CPA, United Airlines rescue flights on Wednesday include Guam–Saipan–Guam service (arrival 8:50 a.m., departure 9:55 a.m.) and Narita–Guam–Saipan service (arrival 12:45 p.m., departure 1:45 p.m.).
T’Way Air operated rescue flights on April 20 and 21, while Hong Kong Airlines also conducted its last rescue flight earlier this week. Philippine Airlines’ scheduled rescue flight on April 20 was canceled.
Advisories
In a separate advisory, T’Way Air, the only Korean carrier serving Saipan, cited “airport conditions” in issuing a notice of irregular operations for its Saipan route.
Affected flights include TW513 (Incheon to Saipan) and TW514 (Saipan to Incheon) for scheduled dates from April 22 through May 5.
United operates Saipan–Narita–Saipan flights under UA824 and UA825, and its regular Saipan–Guam–Saipan service under UA76/174. Adjusted operations include UA76 at 9:50 a.m. and rescue flight UA3019 at 1:45 p.m.
Philippine Airlines, which resumed its direct Saipan–Manila service on March 29 after nearly nine years, announced the suspension of its route due to runway closure and airport limitations.
“The cancellation is due to runway closure and airport limitations at Saipan Airport following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, including damage to navigation aids and infrastructure, and restrictions to daytime operations only,” PAL said in a notice sent via SMS and email.
PAL operates twice-weekly Manila–Saipan flights under PR2571 and return flights under PR2572.
Hong Kong Airlines earlier canceled flights HK072 and HK073 starting April 13 until further notice. The airline operates direct twice-weekly flights between Hong Kong and Saipan.
