Xiamen Air apologizes to MIAA

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal on Monday disclosed that Xiamen Air officials have apologized for the plane mishap last week that caused a number of flight cancellations and stranded passengers at the Ninnoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

"This morning at 11 a.m., I have a delegation from Xiamen Air. They expressed sincerest apologies regarding the incident that happened last Friday," Monreal said in a press briefing.

The MIAA chief said he had advised the airline representatives to prepare a public statement amid the disruption of flights.

"I told them they have to issue a statement for those who are affected," Monreal said. "I said your apologies can only reach myself, I want the apologies to reach the Filipino people."

The airline's chairman Che Shanglun later issued a statement thanking MIAA for its help with the passengers and with moving the aircraft from the runway.

"Xiamen Airlines apologizes to all the passengers affected by the incident and will do its utmost to assist," the statement read, adding that the airline is fully cooperating with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to investigate the incident.

Statement issued by Che Shanglun, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines, to the public @MIAAGovPH pic.twitter.com/wscHmPDBva

— Xiamen Airlines (@XiamenAirlines) August 20, 2018

Xiamen Air Flight MF8667 skidded off the NAIA runway late Thursday night. No injuries were reported in the incident.

The plane was lifted from the runway around 2 a.m. on Saturday and was transferred to Balabag Aviation Complex.

The MIAA previously said that more than 600 flights have already flown into and out of the NAIA since the re-opening of its runway before Saturday noon.

However, a number of passengers have remained stranded in the airport following the incident. — BM, GMA News