Only smaller aircraft allowed on Naia till Tuesday midnight
MANILA, Philippines—The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) issued on Tuesday night a Notice to Airmen (Notam) allowing only smaller aircraft like Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 to use the blocked runway on the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
The Notam was issued after a jetliner of Saudi Airlines bound for Riyadh veered off the runway also Tuesday night as its landing gear got stuck in the mud right after a downpour.
Caap’s Notam was supposed to be lifted at 10 pm but was extended until midnight.
Caap said Runway 24 is still closed for landing. Only planes for departure may use runway 24 E1 intersection.
As of posting, about seven flights approaching Manila was diverted to Clark Air Base. These are Philippine Airlines 307 from Hong Kong to Manila; all Nippon949 from Narita to Manila; Dragon931 from Hong Kong to Manila, Narita-Manila; Malaysian804 from Kuala Lumpur to Manila; Delta Air 473 from Narita to Manila and Jeju Air 2305 from Incheon to Manila.
According to the Manila International Airport Authority, Saudi Airlines’ Boeing 744 was taxiing its way for takeoff on Runway 24 of the NAIA at 7 p.m. when it swerved and slightly veered off, causing its landing gear to be stuck in the mud.
The aircraft was supposed to depart Naia at 6:10 p.m. With a report from Nina Calleja, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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