Bird strike delays 6 Cebu Pacific flights

A bird strike delayed at least six flights of Cebu Pacific on Sunday. In a report over GMA News’ “24 Oras Weekend," Cebu Pacific spokesperson Candice Iyog said one of its planes en route to Hong Kong from Manila was hit by birds. Iyog said the plane safely reached its destination, but the plane needed to be checked to make sure it is fully operational for its subsequent trips. An advisory on the airline’s Facebook page posted Sunday morning said the affected plane needs additional servicing.

"Please note that there will be some delays today caused by a bird strike on one of our aircraft, which now requires additional servicing," it said. The advisory listed the affected delayed flights with new time of departures as: * 5J569 Manila to Cebu 6:10 p.m. * 5J570 Cebu to Manila 7:55 p.m. * 5J481 Manila to Bacolod 8:05 p.m. * 5J482 Bacolod to Manila 9:45 p.m. * 5J678 Manila to Shanghai 9:40 p.m. * 5J679 Shanghai to Manila 1:35 a.m. According to Iyog, the affected plane is expected to be back in Manila by Sunday night, after which the company expects to resume normal operations. Cebu Pacific meanwhile said guests booked for the delayed flights may call (02)70-20-888 or (032)230-8888 for more information, even as it appealed for understanding. "We place top priority in the safety of all our passengers. Thanks for your understanding," the Facebook advisory said. - with Jerrie M. Abella/DM/KBK, GMANews.TV