DAVAO CITY (August 20)– Malacanang announced that probe is underway over the stalled Xiamen Airlines, which caused excessive flight delays at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the government is now investigating the incident to determine if there is any liability on the part of the Xiamen pilot, who was asked not to leave the country pending probe.
Roque raised the possible filing of administrative, civil and /or criminal charges against the pilot, should investigation show liability on his part.
Earlier, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade apologized to airline passengers who were inconvenienced by the delayed flights.
“I am saddened by the inconveniences and consequences brought about by the incident involving Xiamen Air,” Tugade said in a statement.
It took airport officials about 36 hours to remove a Xiamen Air jet that went off NAIA’s runway before midnight Thursday.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has already endorsed the upgrading of NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 which would include the construction of additional runways and terminal buildings.
Improvements in the country’s airports are well underway. Roque said that improvements in the Clark International Airport are also in full swing while the documents for the proposed Bulacan airport project are also being finalized. Jiann Padillo/ NewsLine
