Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced a Php33 million fine against Xiamen Airlines after one of its planes skidded on a runway at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) causing the closure of the main Manila runway for two days.
MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal said the fine covers recovery fees and opportunity losses as well as take off and landing losses, parking costs and staff overtime, reported ABS-CBN News.
Authorities are still finalizing the bill which is expected to be sent to Xiamen Airlines next week.
On August 16, Xiamen Air Boeing 737 ripped off one of its engines resulting in multiple cancellation of flights after the runway was closed, leaving many passengers, including overseas Filipino workers, stranded.
Xiamen Airlines has since offered their “sincerest apologies” for the accident.
“Xiamen Airlines sincerely apologizes to all passengers affected by the incident and will do everything in its power to help these passengers,” said Xiamen Air chairman Che Shanglun.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade apologized to all passengers and OFWs who were affected by the runway closure and flight delays.
Tugade said that they tried their best to remove the aircraft which skidded on the runway of NAIA.
However, the bad weather made it more difficult for them to remove the stalled aircraft.
“I am deeply sorry for the inconveniences caused by the incident. I apologize to all our kababayans who were looking forward to a fun holiday. I apologize to our OFWs who missed their flights,” Tugade said.
