Iloilo airport to reopen with removal of disabled aircraft

MANILA, Philippines — The Iloilo airport runway is set to reopen at 2 p.m. on Monday after a disabled Cebu Pacific aircraft has been towed away.

Cebu Pacific confirmed the removal of its Airbus 320 which got stuck in a grassy area at the end of the runway at Iloilo’s international airport.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the aircraft was carrying more than 180 passengers and crewmen when it veered off the runway after landing in Iloilo, prompting the pilot to order an evacuation last Friday.

The authorities said the passengers and crew were safe after the evacuation.

Flights were canceled since Friday as the plane blocked the runway. Cebu Pacific said flights are set to resume once the Iloilo runway has been opened by the CAAP.

The carrier, known for its budget flights, also said it continues to coordinate with airport authorities for smooth clearing operations. It earlier said it is also working with authorities to investigate the incident.

“Cebu Pacific continues to work with experts from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Manila International Airport Authority, along with local officials round-the-clock to clear the Iloilo airport runway and ensure commercial operations can safely resume,” the airline said in a statement.

Meanwhile, one flight from Iloilo to Puerto Princesa remains to be canceled. Its return flight 5J 262 will continue as scheduled.

Cebu Pacific advised passengers on grounded flights to connect via alternate routes or to rebook within 30 days from the original departure date. Passengers can also opt to get a full refund.

“Cebu Pacific continues to provide free land transfers between Iloilo and Roxas for all affected passengers,” the airline said.

The airline apologized for the inconvenience the incident has caused. — with reports from the Associated Press