NAIA mishap to cost Xiamen Airlines at least P15M

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila International Airport Authority will charge Xiamen Airlines at least P15 million for the removal of its damaged plane from the main runway of Ninoy Aquino International Airport last week.

The amount is just the “initial” estimate, MIAA general manager Ed Monreal said in an interview on ANC’s “Headstart” Tuesday.

“All the expenses incurred will be charged to them—manpower, the rentals,” Monreal said, adding that MIAA is still computing the total amount.

The runway mishap prompted airport authorities to rent a crane, which was used to lift the Boeing 737 off the runway. The rental of the crane alone cost around P4 million.

Xiamen Airlines chairman Che Shanglun has said the company will cooperate with the MIAA, Monreal said.

In an apology issued Monday, Che said the airlines “will do its utmost to assist.”

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The airport official said that it is up to the airlines or the passengers affected by the runway’s temporary shutdown to sue Chinese airline for consequential damages.

“For the consequential, that will be entirely to the passengers or the airlines if they want to file a case against Xiamen Airlines,” Monreal said.

A Xiamen Airlines aircraft skidded off NAIA’s main runway last Thursday. The plane was removed from the rain-soaked spot where it had been stuck early Saturday.

The 36-hour ordeal paralyzed the operations of the country’s main gateway, leading to a number of flight cancellations and affected thousands of passengers.

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