Manila

Is Manila Airport turbulent?

The Philippines sits directly in the Pacific typhoon highway, and Manila gets hit multiple times each year. Typhoons regularly cancel hundreds of flights and strand thousands of passengers. Even weaker tropical systems bring heavy rain and gusty winds that cause delays. The busy monsoon season (June-November) combines typhoon risk with daily thunderstorms.

• Typhoon Tino (2025) caused 142 cancellations and 221 delays
• Typhoon Uwan (2025) cancelled 100+ flights as a super typhoon
• Multiple typhoon impacts per year are normal

How bad are Manila typhoons?

The Philippines averages 20+ typhoons per year, with many affecting Manila directly. Super typhoons can close the airport for 24-48 hours with winds exceeding 150 mph. Even passing storms bring outer rainbands that disrupt operations. Airlines cancel flights 1-2 days before major storms, and recovery takes additional days as crews and aircraft reposition.

When should I avoid flying through Manila?

September-November is peak typhoon season with the most intense storms. June-August also brings significant tropical activity plus monsoon thunderstorms. December-May offers calmer conditions with fewer typhoons. If traveling during typhoon season, book flexible tickets and monitor weather forecasts closely.