Saudia, PAL planes collide at NAIA; investigation underway

Authorities are investigating a ground collision involving aircraft operated by Saudia and Philippine Airlines (PAL) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to airport operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC).

NNIC said initial reports showed that the wingtip of a taxiing Saudia Boeing 787 aircraft struck the tail section of a parked PAL Airbus A320 at approximately 11:38 p.m. on Tuesday.

The incident prompted the cancellation of the Saudia flight, and the aircraft was towed to a designated bay for inspection. No injuries were reported.

"Both aircraft sustained damage that is now undergoing technical assessment. No airport infrastructure or ground equipment was damaged," NNIC said.

"A full investigation is currently being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including a review of airside communications, aircraft movement records, and other relevant operational data," it added.

NNIC said its ground operations and safety teams responded immediately after the incident was reported. It added that it is extending full cooperation to the airlines and aviation authorities involved to ensure a thorough and objective investigation.

The San Miguel-led consortium operating NNIC—composed of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp.—took over the operations and maintenance of NAIA on September 14, 2024.— MCG, GMA News