Manila: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced on Monday it has extended the suspension of flight training operations for Topflite Academy of Aviation Inc. (TAAI) following the involvement of its training flight in an "incident" near Iba Airport last July 11.

According to Philippines News Agency, CAAP has deemed it necessary to extend the suspension until the investigation into the training program is completed and all safety and compliance issues are fully addressed. CAAP had previously announced that TAAI would be suspended for seven days.

The extension is necessary to protect future aviators and preserve the integrity of aviation training by ensuring that all flight schools strictly adhere to established safety protocols and regulatory standards. CAAP assures the public and aviation stakeholders that strict oversight continues to be implemented to safeguard the integrity of pilot training institutions and ensure safe, responsible, and compliant operations throughout the aviation sector.

A trainer aircraft with registry RP-C2211 was involved in an "incident," but CAAP as of Monday said it still could not identify what type of incident it was since the investigation is still ongoing. The four people on board were reportedly safe and were provided with medical attention.

The flight instructor and student pilots involved have been administratively grounded to ensure the independence of the investigation, CAAP said.