Computer glitch causes massive flight delays

A glitch at the computer system of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA) Centennial Terminal delayed all domestic and international flights yesterday, causing widespread misery and worry among thousands of passengers who want to board their flights and get to their respective destinations on time.

Engineer Octavio "Bing" Lina, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) assistant general manager for operations, said the computer glitch occured at around 8:30 a.m., disabling the computerized processing of PAL‘s checking in of passengers and their luggage.

"They had to do the checking manually which is really difficult, making it a time consuming process," Lina told The STAR.

The longer checking in procedure caused long queues at the Centennial Terminal, which is used exclusively by PAL for domestic and international flights.

As of press time yesterday, Lina said PAL was still undertaking a systems check to correct the problem.

"We have been monitoring the developments. Of course PAL, on its own is hurrying efforts to fix the problem," Lina said, adding that Saturday is considered a peak day at the airport.