Korean Air plane overshoots Cebu runway; all flights suspended

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Korean Air plane overshoots Cebu runway; all flights suspended
Photo from Nagiel B. Bañacia, OIC DRRMO at Lapu Lapu City Government.
  • All international and domestic flights to and from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) are suspended until tomorrow evening (Oct 25) to allow for removal of a Korean Air aircraft that overshot the runway on October 23
  • Airport authorities are working to partially reopen parts of the runway to accommodate pending flights
  • All passengers and crew of Korean Air flight KE361 from Incheon, South Korea are safe

Korean Air said a thorough investigation will be performed to determine cause of the incident

All international and domestic flights to and from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) are suspended until tomorrow evening (Oct 25) to allow for the removal of a Korean Air plane that overshot the runway on October 23.

But airport authorities are currently working to reopen  parts of the runway to accommodate pending flights.

MCIA in a statement said no one was hurt during the incident that occurred at 11:11pm amid heavy rains.

All 162 passengers and 11 crew onboard Korean Air flight KE631 from Incheon, South Korea were immediately evacuated and tended to by airport emergency personnel.

MCIA management said they are working with Korean Air, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, and the Civil Authority of the Philippines to resolve the issue involving an A330 aircraft.

Korean Air president Woo Keehong in a statement on October 24 sent his “sincere sentiments” and said a thorough investigation will be performed together with the local aviation authorities and Korean authorities to determine the cause of the incident.

“We always prioritize safety in all of our operations, and we truly regret the stress and inconvenience brought to our passengers,” Woo said.

He added: “We remain committed to standing behind our promise of safe operations and will do our very best to institute measures to prevent any recurrence. Our overall goal is for our valued guests to trust that Korean Air will treat them well, and honor us with the opportunity to welcome them once again.”

In a press conference on Oct 24, airport authorities said defueling of the aircraft is ongoing. Passenger baggages have also been removed from the aircraft.

Passengers with flights to and from MCIA are advised to coordinate with their respective airlines first before proceeding to the airport.

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