DOTr explains why it took some time to extract Xiamen jet

Towing a disabled plane is far different from towing a bus or a car, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday declared in its statement regarding the recent recovery and clearing of a disabled Xiamen aircraft which wreaked havoc on operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In this case, they had to reckon with the size and weight of the aircraft, on top of four tons of unused fuel at its wings that could burn or explode with a single false move.

Worse, the aircraft was stuck on very muddy terrain in the middle of strong winds and heavy rains. "We had to bring in a rented, high-capacity, telescopic crane good for 500 tons."

As for the affected passengers, "airlines are the ones that control and manage the services they render to their passengers", according to the DOTr.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) also issued a statement yesterday, thanking passengers for their "patience and understanding during the last few days, when our flights to and from our Manila hub were severely affected by the closure of NAIA Runway 06/24."

The blockage of the main runway, by another airline's disabled aircraft compelled us to divert many flights to Clark, Cebu, Davao and even overseas including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where more than 20 of our airplanes were stranded."

"The timely deplaning of passengers became a challenge too despite our efforts in coordinating with authorities at the diversion airports because of the sudden influx of multiple diverted flights from various airlines."

"Meanwhile, we struggled to operate some flights from the second runway, Runway 13/31, which could accept smaller aircraft."

"Unfortunately, there were still delays and cancellations as dozens of flights from different airlines switched to that runway, not to mention the strong tailwinds that required closing Runway 13/31 at times."

"Now that the runway has re-opened, we continue to work hard to normalize operations which entails bringing home diverted airplanes, mounting replacement flights on key routes, reshuffling of aircraft, crew and other operational resources."

"There is so much more to do and there will regrettably be some more delays and re-timing of flights. But we will do what we can to minimize the inconvenience to our passengers."