Tugade on Xiamen Air incident: 'An eye-opener'

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said on Saturday the Xiamen plane mishap that caused the temporary closure of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) runway and inconvenienced airline passengers serves as an "eye-opener" for airport authorities.

"This incident served as an eye-opener—a reminder for us to take a second look at the processes, procedures, and protocols of concerned agencies, as well as airlines, so that we may all improve in the future," Tugade said.

"Again, on behalf of the entire DOTr Family, I am deeply sorry,” he added.

The Transportation chief issued the statement after the NAIA international runway 06/24 reopened almost 36 hours after the plane, carrying Xiamen Air flight MF8667, skidded off the runway of the NAIA before Thursday midnight due to the rains. 

The plane was lifted from the runway around 2 a.m. Saturday and transferred to the remote parking bay of Balabag Aviation Complex.

Around 150 flights have been canceled due the incident, while others were diverted to the Clark International Airport.

"I am saddened by the inconveniences and consequences brought about by the incident involving Xiamen Air," Tugade said.

"It is a regrettable experience, which is not of our own liking, nor of our own making. I am sorry. We did our very best to address the situation," he added.

The Transport chief lauded the airport authorities as well as the private sector who handled the situation.

"More importantly, through this incident, I personally witnessed the dedication and 'bayanihan' spirit exhibited not only by public servants from CAAP [Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines], led by Director General Jim Sydiongco, MIAA [Manila International Airport Authority], led by General Manager Ed Monreal, and the DOTr, but also those of third parties who offered their assistance, including the private sector, volunteers, and other airports such as Clark and Subic,” Tugade added.

The runway was originally scheduled to reopen on Friday afternoon, but was pushed back to early Saturday morning after personnel had a hard time lifting the airplane. The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued, however, was further extended  to 12 p.m. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News