The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has ordered the temporary closure of Busuanga Airport on Friday, September 5, after a Philippines Airlines (PAL) aircraft from Manila encountered a technical issue at the runway.
The incident involved PAL Express flight GAP 2961.
CAAP reported that nine flights were cancelled, one was diverted, and another was delayed, affecting thousands of passengers of both CebGo (Cebu Pacific Air) and PAL Express.
According to CAAP, the flight from Manila arrived at Busuanga Airport at 7:47 a.m. but could not vacate the runway due to a technical problem.
The agency initially issued a notice to airmen (Notam) that was effective from 9:13 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., which was later extended until 3:30 p.m.
In collaboration with PAL Express management and the Philippine Air Force, CAAP has initiated efforts to promptly remove the aircraft from the runway.
CAAP Director General (Ret.) Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario has directed airport management to hasten the clearing process and to work closely with airlines to assist passengers and make necessary flight adjustments.
“The safety of passengers is our utmost priority. We are implementing all necessary measures to ensure the runway is cleared safely and that normal operations can resume without delay,” stated Del Rosario.
CAAP is actively coordinating with relevant authorities to guarantee operational safety and to reduce inconvenience for passengers.
“Although commercial flight operations are impacted, the runway remains accessible for helicopter operations,” the agency noted.
Earlier, PAL announced the cancellation of three flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport that were scheduled to operate to and from Busuanga due to this incident.
“Due to an aircraft temporarily obstructing the runway at Busuanga Airport today, September 5, passengers may face delays or alterations to their schedules. PAL, along with the local airport authorities in Busuanga, is collaborating closely to clear the runway and restore normal operations as swiftly as possible,” PAL stated in its advisory.
