Mayon Volcano Alert Level 3: Philippines Flight Updates & Safety Guide (2026)

What Is Happening With Mayon Volcano Right Now?

Mayon Volcano in Albay province, Philippines, has been placed under Alert Level 3 (Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest) by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) since May 2, 2026. A hazardous eruption is considered possible within days or weeks.

The escalation followed a series of lava collapses that triggered fast-moving pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and widespread ashfall across the Bicol region on Saturday, May 2.

Current volcanic activity

According to PHIVOLCS’ latest bulletin, lava flows have been recorded down three gullies:

• Basud Gully: 3.8 km
• Bonga Gully: 3.2 km
• Mi-isi Gully: 1.6 km

Thirty-two volcanic earthquakes were recorded on May 2, including 25 volcanic tremors lasting between 2 and 15 minutes. Minor strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining have been observed, and crater glow remains visible to the naked eye.

Impact on the ground

As of May 5, ashfall has affected 124 barangays (villages) across Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao City, and Oas in Albay province, according to the NDRRMC. Over 52,000 families — more than 199,000 people — have been affected, with more than 5,400 currently inside evacuation shelters.

PHIVOLCS has declared a 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around Mayon’s crater, which remains strictly off-limits to everyone.

Which Flights Are Canceled and Which Airports Are Affected?

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued NOTAM B1875/26, banning all aircraft from operating within a 6-kilometer radius of Mayon Volcano up to 11,000 feet above the summit. Volcanic ash poses a serious risk to aircraft engines and navigation systems.

Bicol International Airport (DRP)

Bicol International Airport, located in Daraga near Legazpi City, is the airport most directly affected. Flights to and from this airport have been canceled or rerouted due to the volcanic ash hazard.

As of May 3, the following flights were confirmed canceled by CAAP and GMA News:

• Cebu Pacific 5J 321 (Manila to Bicol International Airport)
• Cebu Pacific 5J 332 (Bicol International Airport to Manila)

A total of 231 passengers (134 incoming, 97 outgoing) were affected by these cancellations as of the latest CAAP update. By May 4, CAAP reported that eight flights to and from the Bicol region had been canceled, affecting additional Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines services.

Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB) — still operational

It is important to note that Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport are not inside the no-fly zone and continue to operate normally.

International flights from Dubai, Doha, Singapore, and other hubs to Manila and Cebu remain unaffected by the volcanic activity. The disruption is localized to domestic flights serving the Bicol region.

Airlines that have canceled or adjusted domestic Bicol flights

Based on CAAP advisories and confirmed cancellation reports, the following domestic airlines have canceled or adjusted flights to and from Bicol International Airport:

• Cebu Pacific — confirmed cancellations from May 3
• Philippine Airlines (PAL) — serves Manila–Daraga route; cancellations reported from May 4

International carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, which serve Manila and Cebu, are not affected by the Mayon-related disruptions, as those airports are operating normally.

CAAP has advised all affected passengers to coordinate directly with their airline for rebooking or refund options.

Airline Rebooking and Refund Policies

Airlines with canceled flights to the Bicol region are offering rebooking or refund options for affected passengers. Contact your airline directly or use the guides below for step-by-step instructions.

• Philippine Airlines — full cancellation and refund guide
• Cebu Pacific — check your booking on the Cebu Pacific flight status page

If you booked an international flight to Manila or Cebu through another carrier and your onward domestic Bicol connection was canceled, contact your airline or travel agent to arrange alternative routing.

CAAP has advised all affected passengers to coordinate directly with their airline if they do not find their flight listed in the guides above.

Is It Safe to Travel to the Philippines?

Yes, for the vast majority of travelers, it is safe to fly to the Philippines right now. The volcanic activity is localized to Mayon Volcano in Albay province, Bicol region. Popular destinations like Manila, Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan are hundreds of kilometers away and completely unaffected.

Travel advisories

The US Embassy in Manila has issued a natural disaster alert specifically for Mayon Volcano at Alert Level 3. The advisory recommends avoiding the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and staying updated on PHIVOLCS bulletins.

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has suspended non-essential travel to areas surrounding the volcano in Albay province. This does not apply to travel to other parts of the Philippines.

What to watch out for

• Avoid all travel to the Bicol region, especially Albay province, until Alert Level 3 is lifted
• If you had plans to visit Legazpi City or the Mayon Volcano area, postpone your trip
• Monitor PHIVOLCS bulletins for any escalation to Alert Level 4 or 5, which would indicate a larger eruption
• Check your government’s travel advisory for the Philippines before departing

Air quality concerns

Ashfall from the eruption has contaminated water sources and affected crops in nearby towns. The Philippine Department of Health is distributing N95 masks and deploying mobile clinics in affected communities. If you are already in the Bicol region, wear an N95 mask outdoors and follow local evacuation orders.

Alternative Routes & What to Do if You Are Affected

If you were planning to fly to the Bicol region or have connecting flights through affected airports, here are your options.

If you are flying from the Gulf or Southeast Asia

International flights from Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore to Manila and Cebu continue to operate normally. The volcanic disruption does not affect these major international routes.

If your final destination was Legazpi or the Bicol region, you can still fly to Manila and then make alternative land travel arrangements once conditions improve.

If your domestic Bicol flight was canceled

• Contact your airline directly for rebooking or refund — affected carriers are waiving change fees
• Consider rerouting through Naga if that airport resumes operations before Bicol International
• Land travel from Manila to the Bicol region via bus or private vehicle takes approximately 8-10 hours, but is not recommended while ashfall and volcanic activity continue

Stay updated

The situation can change quickly with volcanic events. Track real-time flight status using Wego’s flight tracker, and check your airline’s website directly for the latest operational updates.

You can also compare and book alternative flights to Manila or flights to Cebu on Wego to find the best available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are flights to Manila and Cebu affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption?

No. Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport are operating normally. The flight disruptions are limited to domestic flights serving Bicol International Airport near Legazpi City, which is close to the volcano. International flights from Dubai, Doha, Singapore, and other hubs to Manila and Cebu are unaffected.

Can I get a refund if my Bicol flight was canceled?

Yes. Airlines with canceled Bicol flights are offering rebooking or refund options. See our cancellation guide for Philippine Airlines for step-by-step instructions, or check the Cebu Pacific flight status page directly.

What is Alert Level 3 for Mayon Volcano?

Alert Level 3 means “Intensified Unrest/Magmatic Unrest.” It indicates that a hazardous eruption is possible within days or weeks. The 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around the crater is strictly off-limits.

Is it safe to visit other parts of the Philippines like Boracay or Palawan?

Yes. The volcanic activity is confined to the Bicol region in southern Luzon. Destinations like Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Siargao, and Metro Manila are hundreds of kilometers away and completely unaffected.

How long will the flight cancellations last?

There is no confirmed timeline. Flight operations in the Bicol region will resume once PHIVOLCS downgrades the alert level and CAAP lifts the no-fly zone. Monitor the PHIVOLCS website and your airline for updates.

Sources

1. PHIVOLCS — Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
2. GMA News — CAAP Issues Flight Safety Advisory for Mayon Volcano
3. GMA News — List of Canceled Flights Due to Mayon Volcano Unrest
4. Sunstar — Over 52,000 Families Affected by Mayon Unrest (NDRRMC)
5. Philstar — Mayon Keeps Alert Level 3 Amid Ash Fall
6. US Embassy Manila — Natural Disaster Alert: Mayon Volcano
7. Philstar — DOT Discourages Non-Essential Travel Near Mayon Danger Zone
8. Manila Bulletin — Mayon Ashfall Strains Water Supply; Over 102,000 Individuals Affected
9. Cebu Pacific — Flight Status
10. Philippine Airlines — News and Events

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.