CAAP issues flight restriction near Mayon Volcano amid increased rockfalls

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning pilots to avoid flying near Mayon Volcano, restricting flights from the surface up to 11,000 feet until December 11.

This advisory follows observations by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) of new lava spines being extruded from Mayon's summit lava dome, indicating the presence of shallow magma.

Phivolcs warned of increased chances of volcanic hazards including sudden steam or phreatic explosions, rockfall, and lahar flow during heavy rains due to a new lava flow in the past week.

Consequently, rockfall incidents have increased significantly from an average of 3 events per day to 16 events per day in December, with 15 rockfall events recorded on Tuesday.

Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest.

Phivolcs reiterated the strict prohibition of entry into and flying over the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone due to heightened volcanic hazards.