The Iloilo International Airport remains closed as removal efforts continue for the Cebu Pacific plane that veered off the runway last night Oct. 13.
All 180 passengers and six crew members of Flight 5J 461 (Manila-Iloilo) are safe and accounted for, Cebu Pacific statement read.
The flight left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at 10 p.m. Friday Oct. 13 and landed in Iloilo around 11:15 p.m.
Initial reports indicated that the aircraft veered to the side of runway after landing earlier at the Iloilo Airport. The Captain then initiated an evacuation.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued a “Notice to Airmen” saying the airport will be closed until around 6 p.m. Saturday Oct. 14.
“CAAP is doing its best to extract the aircraft so that flights will be normalized soon,” it said. “We ask the public for understanding as ensuring passengers safety and security is paramount in maintaining our airports and skies safe for travel.”
Netizen Prij Alphonz Caspe Carmelo shared his photos and videos during the incident.
Loui Latoza Babiera, a passenger of the said Cebu Pacific plane, took to social media, saying despite being traumatized by the incident, still extend his thanks to the skillful pilot in preventing the plane from getting into a more dangerous situation.
Another netizen, Jared Heart, praised the pilot for having presence of mind, avoiding any possible injuries to the passengers.
As of this posting, Cebu Pacific issued an advisory saying that it is currently mobilizing additional flights from Manila and Davao to Roxas City to be able to accommodate passengers on cancelled flights to and from Iloilo today. Land transfer between Roxas and Iloilo will be made available to all passengers.
The airline said it is providing land transfers between Iloilo and Roxas for all affected passengers.
Affected guests may also avail of the following options:
• Rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from 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.
All affected passengers will be entitled to a free round-trip travel voucher.
Affected passengers are advised to call the Cebu Pacific hotline at (+632)702-0886, or message the official Cebu Pacific pages on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cebupacificair), or Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) to make changes to their flight schedules or avail of options above.
