The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced the cancellation of 17 flights following the temporary suspension of operation at the General Santos airport due to the effect of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit the waters off Sarangani on Monday.

Following the temporary suspension of operation in General Santos Airport due to the quake, CAAP issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) limiting the landing and takeoff operations at the airport "to government, military, and humanitarian flights" starting 3 pm Monday.

"A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is in effect from June 8 at 3:00 pm until June 11 at 6:00 pm," it stated.

"Assessments of air navigation facilities, equipment, and operational capabilities are currently underway to ensure the continued safety and integrity of airport operations," it added.

CAAP said the flights affected by the earthquake include 11 Cebu Pacific flights, four PAL Express flights and two Philippine Airline flights bound to and from Manila, Iloilo, General Santos City and Cebu.

The CAAP also advised the airport passengers "to coordinate with their respective airlines for updates on the status of their flights." Robina Asido/PHS