Flights cancelled at CDO airport without notice; 50 passengers stranded

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines—At least 50 passengers are stranded at the Lumbia Airport here after their flights were cancelled without prior notice on Tuesday afternoon.

The passengers said their respective airlines did not inform them of the cancelled flights. They only knew about it when they arrived at the Lumbia airport to check in.

Tess Barrientos, a passenger of the 9:05 p.m. Cebu Pacific flight to Manila, said airline personnel did not give her any information why the flights were cancelled.

Barrientos said she and several other passengers tried to inquire from the Cagayan de Oro Civil Aviation Authority, which also did not give any explanation about the situation.

Barrientos complained that airport security told the stranded passengers that they were not allowed to stay in the pre-departure area to spend the night as the airport is located far from the city proper.
Close to 50 passengers were forced to stay near the entrance of the airport building where they used jackets and malongs so they could lie on the floor. No food, water or any sort of accommodation were offered to the passengers.
An airline personnel, who asked not to be named as she was not authorized to speak on the matter, said the flights were cancelled because the runway lights were not functioning.