Several domestic flights were canceled on Monday, September 30, due to the inclement weather conditions brought by Typhoon Julian, known internationally as Typhoon Krathon. The typhoon has caused heavy rainfall and strong winds in Northern Luzon, leading to travel disruptions.
In a travel advisory, Cebu Pacific, a leading budget airline, announced the cancellation of multiple flights to and from Cauayan, Isabela, and Tuguegarao, Cagayan. The airline cited the unfavorable weather brought by the typhoon as the primary reason for grounding the flights, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members.
Among the canceled flights as of 8 a.m. are the following:
- Flight 5J 196: Manila to Cauayan
- Flight 5J 197: Cauayan to Manila
- Flight 5J 504: Manila to Tuguegarao
- Flight 5J 505: Tuguegarao to Manila
- Flight 5J 506: Manila to Tuguegarao
- Flight 5J 507: Tuguegarao to Manila
The airline urged affected passengers to monitor updates and announcements on rebooking options and further changes in the schedule. Travelers were also advised to visit the Cebu Pacific website for real-time information and to rebook flights without penalties or request a full refund.
Typhoon Julian has significantly intensified over the past 24 hours. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the center of the typhoon was spotted at 4 a.m. near Balintang Island, Calayan, Cagayan, at coordinates 19.9° North and 122.2° East. The typhoon is moving westward and is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds in several parts of Northern Luzon.
PAGASA reported that Typhoon Julian has maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gusts reaching up to 190 kph. The central pressure of the storm is at 950 hPa. Residents of areas in the path of the typhoon, particularly in Cagayan and nearby provinces, are advised to stay vigilant and monitor weather updates for further warnings.
Local authorities have also begun preparing evacuation centers for potential displacement in flood-prone areas, while sea travel remains suspended in most parts of Northern Luzon due to rough seas. PAGASA continues to monitor the typhoon’s movement and its potential impact in the coming days.