Four Flights Diverted to Kalibo Airport Amid Severe Weather in Manila

KALIBO, Aklan — Four commercial flights bound for or originating from Manila were diverted to Kalibo International Airport (KLO) on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after severe weather conditions affected flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.
The diversions were attributed to the combined effects of Tropical Storm “Luis” and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), which brought very heavy rainfall, strong gusty winds and significantly reduced visibility over Metro Manila.
The adverse weather conditions prompted the implementation of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operational protocols in Manila, requiring affected flights to use designated alternate airports, including Kalibo, to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Four aircraft diverted to Kalibo
According to flight-monitoring information, the following aircraft temporarily landed at Kalibo International Airport:
Cebu Pacific CEB/5J 3444 — Pagadian (PAG) to Manila (MNL)
Aircraft registration: RP-C4267
Aircraft type: Airbus A320-271N
AirAsia Philippines APG/Z2 228 — Manila (MNL) to Caticlan (MPH)
Aircraft registration: RP-C8950
Aircraft type: Airbus A320-216
AirAsia Philippines APG/Z2 359 — Panglao (TAG) to Manila (MNL)
Aircraft registration: RP-C8976
Aircraft type: Airbus A320-216
AirAsia Philippines APG/Z2 328 — Tacloban (TAC) to Manila (MNL)
Aircraft registration: RP-C8964
Aircraft type: Airbus A320-216
The aircraft remained on the ground in Kalibo for approximately 30 minutes to one hour, during which crews monitored the weather situation and conducted necessary ground procedures, including refueling where required.
Once weather conditions in Manila improved sufficiently, all four aircraft departed Kalibo and continued their respective flights toward their original destinations.
What is a flight diversion?
A flight diversion occurs when an aircraft lands at an airport other than its originally planned destination, or returns to its departure airport, because continuing the flight as planned may no longer be safe or practical.
Severe weather is among the most common reasons for diversions. Other possible causes include medical or mechanical emergencies, runway closures, air traffic restrictions, or fuel considerations resulting from prolonged delays.
A diversion is a standard aviation safety procedure. Pilots and air traffic controllers prioritize the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft over the original flight plan.
KLO Plane Spotters monitoring flights
Meanwhile, KLO Plane Spotters said they are continuing to monitor flight movements at Kalibo International Airport on Sunday, August 9, amid the prevailing weather conditions.
The group said it will provide updates should additional flight diversions occur, as well as information concerning aircraft movements at Kalibo Airport.
Passengers are advised to check directly with their respective airlines for the latest information regarding flight schedules, delays, cancellations or diversions, particularly as weather conditions can change rapidly.
The temporary diversions to Kalibo once again highlight the important role of Kalibo International Airport as an alternate aviation facility in Western Visayas, particularly when severe weather disrupts operations in major airports such as NAIA.
Safety remains the priority in every flight operation.
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