Runway accident shuts down Iloilo Int’l Airport

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has ordered the closure of the Iloilo International Airport Saturday after a Cebu Pacific aircraft overshot the runway Friday night.

In its advisory, CAAP said the operations of the airport would be shut down until 6 p.m. as it extracts the aircraft.

“CAAP is doing its best to extract the aircraft so that flights will be normalized soon,” CAAP said in a statement released Saturday morning.

CAAP assured that all the passengers of the Cebu Pacific aircraft are safe and were transported to the passenger terminal.

“We ask the public for understanding as ensuring passengers’ safety and security is paramount in maintaining our airports and skies safe for travel,” according to CAAP.

A Cebu Pacific plane carrying 180 passengers veered off the runway while landing in Iloilo at 11:10 p.m. Friday.

Cebu Pacific said in an advisory that Flight 5J 561, bound for Iloilo from Manila, veered to the side of the runway after landing at the Iloilo International Airport.

The captain of the aircraft then initiated an evacuation of the passengers.

“Cebu Pacific is working with the authorities to investigate the incident and expedite the re-opening of the airport runway,” the airline stated.

Cebu Pacific assured that affected passengers may 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 a full refund or travel fund. (PNA / CAAP)