Flights cancelled at Philippines’ Cebu airport after plane overshoots runway

Manila, Oct 24 (EFE).- All flights at the Cebu International Airport in the Philippines were canceled on Monday after a Korean Air plane overshot a runway the previous night.

“We confirm that at 11:11 pm on 23 October Sunday, Korean Air flight no. KE631 from Incheon, South Korea overshot the runway in a landing attempt during heavy rains at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport,” the airport said in a statement.

“No one was hurt during the incident. All 162 passengers and 11 crew onboard the A330 aircraft were immediately evacuated and tended to by airport emergency personnel,” it added.

The airport said that the incident had “necessitated the temporary closure of the MCIA runway to allow for the safe removal of the aircraft” so all international and domestic flights to and from the airport were canceled “until further notice.”

The Airbus A330 aircraft sustained substantial damage during the event.

In a statement on Monday, Korean Air President Keehong Woo apologized for the incident.

“A thorough investigation will be performed together with the local aviation authorities and Korean authorities to determine the cause(s) of this event,” he said.

“We always prioritize safety in all of our operations, and we truly regret the stress and inconvenience brought to our passengers,” he added, promising to “institute measures to prevent any recurrence.” EFE

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