Travel gridlocked, panic buying rises as typhoon nears

Travel Gridlock and Panic Buying as Typhoon Tino Approaches

The arrival of typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) has nearly halted Central Visayas’ transportation system. Sea and air travel have been suspended, and provincial bus services have stopped operating.

Port Closures and Stranded Passengers

On Monday morning, November 3, 2025, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) closed all ports and terminals in the province to passengers to prepare for the storm surge and rough seas. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 7 reported that 477 passengers, 21 vessels, and 78 rolling cargoes were stranded in Central Visayas ports starting at midnight. Additionally, 129 vessels and 12 motorbancas were unable to set sail due to the weather.

Flight Cancellations at Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Over 50 flights at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) were canceled as a safety precaution. On Monday, 53 flights, including both departures and arrivals, were canceled. Destinations affected include Siargao, Surigao, Borongan, Tacloban, Butuan, Caticlan, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Manila.

Additional Flight Disruptions Expected

An extra 34 flights (17 departures and 17 arrivals) scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, are also expected to be canceled due to the typhoon.

Local Response to Panic Buying

Fear of shortages has led to panic buying among residents, though local officials have assured the public that supplies remain stable.

“The Cebu Port Authority closed all ports and terminals to passengers in anticipation of the storm surge and strong waves.”
“The Philippine Coast Guard reported 477 passengers and 21 vessels stranded, with numerous vessels prevented from sailing.”
“Over 50 flights at Mactan-Cebu International Airport were canceled, affecting multiple key destinations.”

Author’s summary: Typhoon Tino has paralyzed Central Visayas’ transport, causing widespread cancellations and panic buying despite officials’ reassurances of stable supplies.

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SunStar SunStar — 2025-11-03

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