A mandatory safety upgrade for Airbus aircraft triggered a wave of flight cancellations across the Philippines on Saturday, November 29, 2025, with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) among the first to feel the impact. The disruption led to at least 10 canceled flights by 10 a.m., causing significant inconvenience for travelers.
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) swiftly directed airlines to activate their crisis plans to manage the situation and minimize passenger distress. This nationwide directive came in response to a technical advisory from the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa), which recommended an immediate software update to address a global technical issue affecting over 6,000 Airbus aircraft.
Government and Airline Response to the Disruption
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez addressed the public on Saturday, affirming that passenger safety is the government's top priority. He explained that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and local airlines were working urgently to complete the system upgrades for Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft by noon on Sunday, November 30.
The Easa advisory reached Philippine authorities at 1 a.m. on Saturday, prompting immediate action. Each aircraft requires roughly two hours to complete the software installation. As of Saturday, progress was being made: Cebu Pacific had updated 19 aircraft, Philippine Airlines (PAL) had updated 11, and AirAsia had completed the upgrade for its entire affected fleet.
Passenger Impact and Advisory
The cascading effect of the groundings was substantial. Nationwide, 93 flights were affected, with 82 cancellations and 11 delays, impacting at least 14,000 passengers. From MCIA, several domestic routes to and from Manila, Davao, and Zamboanga were canceled.
In a public advisory, the MCIA alerted travelers that flights operated by Airbus aircraft could face further delays or cancellations. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority noted that while overall airport operations remained normal, airlines were adjusting schedules based on fleet availability.
The CAB issued a strict directive to airlines, mandating the following actions to assist affected passengers:
- Activate Crisis Management Plans and designate a single point of contact.
- Provide pre-arranged alternative transport via partner airlines or other means, along with hotel accommodations.
- Offer clear and timely communication on flight changes, rebooking, and refunds through SMS, email, and apps.
Passengers were urged to monitor official airline channels and avoid going to the airport if their flight was canceled, unless instructed otherwise. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also ordered the Department of Transportation and CAAP to ensure passenger safety and extend immediate assistance to all affected travelers.
