Busuanga Airport flights cancelled after PAL Express plane stuck on runway

Several flights to Busuanga Airport in Coron, Palawan, were cancelled on Friday after a commercial aircraft was unable to vacate the runway due to a technical issue, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. 

“A total of nine flights were cancelled, one diverted, and one delayed from CebGo and PAL Express,” said CAAP in a statement. 

PAL Express flight GAP2961 from Manila landed at the airport at 7:47 a.m. However, it experienced a technical issue, causing it to stall on the runway. 

A notice to airmen (NOTAM) also took effect from 9:13 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Among the cancelled flights by PAL Express following the incident are the following: 

• PR 2962 - Busuanga (Coron) - Manila 
• PR 2963/2964 - Manila - Busuanga (Coron) - Manila 

Affected passengers may rebook another flight with available space within 60 days from the original flight, or convert the ticket to travel credits, said Philippine Airlines. 

“In coordination with PAL Express and the Philippine Air Force (PAF), CAAP has mobilized efforts to immediately remove the aircraft from the runway,” the agency said.  

“CAAP Director General retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario has likewise instructed airport management to expedite the clearing process and work closely with airlines to provide passenger assistance and necessary flight adjustments," it added. –NB, GMA Integrated News