CPA restricts seaport traffic, flights canceled as Champi approaches

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has restricted vessel movements at Saipan, Tinian, and Rota seaports, while several airline and commuter flights have been canceled as Typhoon Champi approaches the Mariana Islands.

In its latest port advisory issued Friday, Oct. 16, the authority said the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port placed all three seaports under Port Heavy Weather Condition X-Ray effective 4pm Thursday, Oct. 15, limiting vessel traffic to daylight hours. 

Port Heavy Weather Condition Yankee was expected Friday afternoon, followed by Condition Zulu on Saturday, Oct. 17, subject to an official announcement.

The restrictions come as the CNMI prepares for Champi, which prompted Gov. David M. Apatang to declare a significant emergency across the Commonwealth.

At the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport, CPA said operations remained normal as of Friday afternoon, with Hong Kong Airlines, Jeju Air, and United Airlines flights serving Guam and Japan expected to operate Saturday.

However, an update received just before noon Saturday, Oct. 17, indicated that United had canceled flights scheduled for Oct. 18 and 19.

Commuter flights between Saipan and Rota have also been affected.

Star Marianas Air was scheduled to operate only two flights Saturday—Saipan to Rota at 8:30am and Rota to Saipan at 9:30am. All afternoon flights Saturday and all flights Sunday were canceled.

The Saipan Commuter Terminal was also scheduled to close Saturday following the last Star Marianas Air flight.

Meanwhile, MACS reported no operations, with cargo flights canceled Saturday and Sunday.

The Benjamin Taisacan Manglona-Rota International Airport remained open as of Friday afternoon, but CPA said the facility would be without commercial power or generator service beginning at 4pm Friday. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was expected to energize the airport's generator Monday morning, Oct. 19.

The Francisco Manglona Borja-Tinian International Airport also remained open as of Friday afternoon. 

Meanwhile, Tinian's seaport continues to face longstanding infrastructure limitations. In a recent interview with Marianas Press, CPA chair Bartley Jackson said the aging port infrastructure, including its deteriorating breakwater and harbor depth limitations, continues to restrict access for certain vessels, although the port remains operational. 

The authority advised travelers and residents to monitor official announcements for further changes in airport and seaport operations.

For inquiries, the public may contact CPA at (670) 237-6500.