MIAA suspends NAIA ops due to red lightning, typhoon Aghon

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) temporarily halted flight and ground operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday due to multiple red lightning advisories.

Flight and ground operations were suspended twice in the afternoon: first from 11:45 a.m. until 2:25 p.m., and again from 3:25 p.m. to 4:57 p.m., as a safety precaution against prevalent lightning activity.

PAGASA issued a thunderstorm advisory at 11:42 a.m., warning of moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds affecting several provinces including Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, and Zambales.

The weather bureau advised residents in affected areas, particularly Quezon City and Parañaque City in Metro Manila, to take precautionary measures against flash floods and landslides.

PAGASA's forecast indicated moderate to heavy rains over the western portions of Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and MIMAROPA until Thursday due to the southwesterly wind flow enhanced by Typhoon Aghon.

Typhoon Aghon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday afternoon with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h and gustiness up to 160 km/h.

Passengers are advised to monitor updates from MIAA and PAGASA for any further disruptions or safety advisories.