Philippines holds 1st "volcanic ash exercise" to ensure aviation safety

The Philippine government conducted Tuesday an exercise that would ensure the safety, regularity and efficiency of the country's aviation in the event of a strong volcanic eruption.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) led the "First Tabletop Volcanic Ash Exercise" or VOLPHIN 15/1, the first of its kind in the country and in Asia Pacific.

The CAAP came up with a "practice scenario" and a "practice advisory" for the eruption of Taal Volcano in northern province of Batangas.

The advisory contained simulated rerouting of flights that were affected due to volcanic ash fall.

The International Civil Aviation Organization from its headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand led other participants from Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Oakland Oceanic Controlled Airspace in California USA in the exercise.

They shared information and coordinated via e-mail and were given advice on air routes or portions of air routes and flight levels affected or expected to become affected; closure of airspace, air routes or portions of air routes, and availability of alternate routes.

At least 11 airline companies, both local and international, also joined in the exercise.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolcs), there are 26 active and 26 potentially active volcanoes in the country. Endi