Operations at General Santos International Airport have been temporarily suspended following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Maasim, Sarangani, on Monday morning, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
A Notice to Airmen, which is a safety advisory given to pilots and flight operators to alert them of sudden or temporary hazards or route changes in airspace, is in effect from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
‘Assessments of air navigation facilities, equipment, and operational capabilities are underway to ensure the continued safety and integrity of airport operations,’ CAAP said in a statement.
The agency also advised passengers to coordinate with their respective airlines for updates on their flights.
The earthquake was initially reported at magnitude 7.0 but was later upgraded to 7.8 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
It struck at 7:37 a.m., with its epicenter located approximately 125 kilometers northeast of Sarangani.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a separate statement, said he has ordered an immediate response from all concerned government agencies following the destructive quake.
Classes at all levels in affected areas across Mindanao were also suspended until further notice.