Pilots for flag carrier Philippine Airlines have abandoned their seats at the front of the aircraft over tenure disputes with airline management. Dozens of flights have been cancelled and thousands of passengers have been left stranded in airports all over the country.

What does this all mean for your Japan travel plans? Lots and lots of aggravation. First of all, PAL is one of just three or so airlines that fly direct to airports in Japan from the Philippines (the others are Japan Airlines, Northwest-Delta Airlines, and Cebu Pacific Air). Due to the strike, hundreds of Japan-bound passengers are no longer able to fly directly to Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, and must take connecting flights from Hong Kong.

Another downside to this whole situation is for prospective Japan tourist visa applicants who are flying to visa-free South East Asian countries trying to rack up immigration stamps. The sudden cancellation of flights can wreak havoc on their schedules. It also forces them to rebook flights with more expensive airlines since PAL is one of the cheaper airlines to fly with.

Long story short? Sit tight and pray this blows over soon. In the meantime, try booking with another carrier lest your travel plains be derailed irrevocably.