Cebu Pacific Plane Gets Stuck in Mud at Manila Airport
Early on July 12, 2024, a Cebu Pacific Airbus A321neo hit a bumpy patch at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. The plane became stuck in the mud while being towed between gates at Terminal 3.
What Happened?
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) revealed the Airbus A321neo was moving from Bay 111, usually for international flights, to Bay 122A near Gate G13 for a domestic route to Cebu. This repositioning took place just after the aircraft arrived from Hong Kong as flight 5J-114 the night before.
Repositioning means towing an aircraft by ground crew—no passengers or flight crew on board—before it’s prepped for the next flight.
Why Did the Plane Get Stuck?
The cause is still under investigation. MIAA suspects several factors including slippery, rain-soaked ramps, possible faults with the towing vehicle or equipment, or a towing error. The muddy conditions at the busy airport ramp proved too much for the wheel.
Delays and Disruptions Hit NAIA
- Six arrivals and seven departures suffered delays due to the incident.
- Bays 110-112 are now out of action, limiting parking for wide-body jets at Terminal 3.
- Cebu Pacific temporarily lost one aircraft, cutting capacity.
An MIAA spokesperson said: “While the investigation is ongoing, we are taking all necessary steps to minimise impact on airport operations and ensure safety during ground handling.”
Cebu Pacific assured passengers safety is their top priority. A company rep stated: “We are cooperating fully with authorities and will implement measures to prevent such incidents in future.”
