Typhoon Sinlaku shuts Saipan Airport until end of April

By Andrew Curran.

Damage from Typhoon Sinlaku has forced the closure of Saipan International Airport (SPN) to all but relief and rescue flights, with at least one airline suspending services through to June. Other carriers have also cancelled flights, although for shorter periods.

According to a recently issued NOTAM, the airport is closed to normal Part 121 scheduled operations until at least April 30. Flights that are permitted are restricted to daylight hours. Several days after the typhoon passed, the airport continues to rely on generators for power, while access to running water remains limited.

Local reports indicate the airport sustained damage to navigation aids and passenger aerobridges, and runway lighting remains out of service.

Category 4 typhoon closes Saipan Airport, airlines suspend flights

Typhoon Sinlaku swept through the Northern Mariana Islands on April 14, bringing wind gusts of up to 210 kilometres per hour and striking Saipan as a Category 4 storm. The territory remains under a state of emergency.

While several airlines have suspended flights through to early May in response to the NOTAM, Philippine Airlines has paused its recently launched Manila (MNL) - Saipan service until mid-June, citing “ongoing runway repair works”.

“There’s currently no water,” Commonwealth Ports Authority (CPA) chairman Bartley Jackson told local media. The CPA operates the airport.

“There’s a power challenge,” he added. "There’s an electrical distribution challenge. The gates were damaged. Some other equipment was damaged. Navigational systems were damaged. So, the first thing is that requires that we only provide access to daytime flights.”

Philippine Airlines typically operates its Saipan services overnight. Its reference to runway repairs relates to the lack of lighting and navigation systems for night operations, rather than physical damage to the runway.

“Philippine Airlines said they didn’t have any aircraft to run during the daytime,” Jackson added. “And so, they would be cancelling their flights for the time being.”

Part 121 carriers most impacted

Hong Kong Airlines, t’way Air, and United Airlines also serve Saipan Airport.

United Airlines operates services from Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Guam. Both flights operate during daylight hours and are currently classified as rescue services. They resumed operations last weekend.

“There is no plan whatsoever to cancel the United flights from Guam,” Jackson said. “Any rumours about the cancellation of those flights are simply incorrect.”

However, t’way Air and Hong Kong Airlines have temporarily suspended services after operating ad hoc evacuation flights. t’way Air has paused flights until May 5, while Hong Kong Airlines has yet to announce a restart date.

Jeju Air had already suspended its Saipan services due to low passenger demand but had planned to resume operations on May 1.

While tourism is critical to the Northern Mariana Islands’ economy, Jackson said restoring essential services remains the priority.

“To me, it is not an issue,” he said. “The island is not ready for tourists (and) it is not currently a tourist destination.”

Domestic Northern Mariana Islands flights less affected

Meanwhile, domestic flights operating from a separate terminal at Saipan have been less affected.

Tinian (TIQ)-based Star Marianas Air continues to operate normally.

“While larger Part 121 carriers are often restricted when airports are undergoing post-storm Part 139 infrastructure repairs, Star Marianas operates as a Part 135 commuter air carrier,” the airline said in a April 21 social media post. “Under our federal authorisations, we are able to continue service safely while these larger-scale certifications are being restored.”

Star Marianas operates flights between Saipan, Rota (ROP), and Tinian, as well as services between Guam and Rota.

Rota Airport remains fully operational, while Tinian Airport is currently limited to lighter aircraft and daylight rescue flights. Guam Airport is operating as normal.

Guam-based Micronesian Air Connection Services (MACS) is also continuing operations.

“MACS is continuing to transport essential supplies to support post-typhoon relief efforts across our islands,” the airline said in a April 21 social media post. “We remain committed to keeping our communities connected and supported during this time of recovery.

“Relief flights for local residents and first responders are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.”

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Photo: Commonwealth Port Authority.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com