Caap warns airmen of potential hazards from Chinese rocket debris

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on the potential hazards due to falling debris from a recent Chinese rocket launch.

This came after the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) reported that China launched the Long March 8A rocket from the Hainan Commercial Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 3:49 p.m. (PH Time) on Wednesday.

READ: Palawan, Zamboanga folks warned of Chinese rocket debris

In a statement on Thursday, the Caap said the NOTAM will be effective on August 4, from 6:14 p.m. to 6:42 p.m., which will cover an area 40 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa Airport, from surface level to unlimited altitude.

The Caap advised airlines and pilots to avoid the designated area and take precautionary measures during the specified time.

“In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize public safety and secure Philippine airspace, Caap continues to take proactive measures in monitoring foreign aerospace activities and issuing timely advisories to protect aviation operations,” said the agency.

On Wednesday, PhilSA warned that the "expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 120 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 42 nautical miles away from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur.”

“Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space,” PhilSA said.

“While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” it added.

READ: A PH spaceport? PhilSA seeks partners to make it happen

PhilSA likewise noted that it is possible that the debris will float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts.

“The possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time,” PhilSA said. /mr

(2025/07/31-14:19)

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