China rocket launch prompts CAAP to close navigation routes

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) — The Civil Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAM), suggesting the closure of several navigation routes due to possible falling debris from China’s rocket launch.

China launched its Long March 7 on Wednesday, May 10 at 9:22 p.m. (Philippine time), CAAP said.

Although rocket debris will unlikely fall on inhabited land, the agency warned it may still pose a danger to aircraft and maritime vessels.

The closures were effective Wednesday, May 10 from 9:14 p.m. to 10:02 p.m.

According to the issued notices, possible drop zones of China’s rocket were approximately 65 to 79 kilometers off Scarborough Shoal.

Earlier this year, the Philippine Space Agency also warned the public against unburned rocket debris from China’s Long March 7A which were projected to fall in the northern part of the country.

READ: PhilSA warns of Chinese rocket debris