(Eagle News)– The runway at the Iloilo International Airport was temporarily closed early Saturday, following what airline authorities said was the “veer(ing) to the side” of a Cebu Pacific plane the day before.
It was still unclear what caused flight 5J 461–which came from Manila—to do the same upon landing at the airport.
Cebu Pacific reported, however, that all 180 passengers and its six crew members, who were made to evacuate the plane by the captain, are “safe and accounted for.”
“Cebu Pacific is working with the authorities to re-open the runway as soon as possible..,” the airline said.
Several flights, however, have been cancelled as a result.
• Oct. 13, 2017
5J 467 Manila-Iloilo
• Oct. 14, 2017
5J 468 Iloilo-Manila
5J 449/450 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J 451/452 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J 453/454 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J 721/720 Iloilo-Davao-Iloilo
5J 255/256 Iloilo-Singapore-Iloilo
DG 6408/6409 Cebu-Iloilo-Cebu
5J 447/448 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J 467 Manila-Iloilo
5J 457/458 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J247/248 Iloilo-General Santos-Iloilo
5J165 Iloilo-Cebu
• Oct. 15, 2017
5J451/452 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J453/454 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J457/458 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J468 Iloilo-Manila
5J348/347 Davao-Iloilo-Davao
DG6408/6409 Cebu-Iloilo-Cebu
Cebu Pacific said affected passengers may either “rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from the original departure date; reroute to alternate stations— Roxas, Bacolod or Kalibo for domestic flights, Cebu or Manila for the flights to and from Singapore; or opt for full refund or travel fund.”
It said all those affected will also be entitled to a free one-way travel voucher.
“We sincerely apologize to all our guests on these affected flights, as well as all other passengers affected by the runway closure, for the inconvenience this incident has caused, and appeal for your patience and understanding. We will continue to provide updates as soon as available,” Cebu Pacific added.
