Mactan-Cebu Airport runway temporarily closed due to stuck PAF aircraft

Mactan-Cebu International Airport's runway was closed for about three hours early Wednesday morning following an incident involving a Philippine Air Force (PAF) aircraft, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said.

CAAP said its operation center received an advisory at 2:24 a.m. regarding a disabled Cessna 208 plane that prompted the closure of the airport's runway at 2:15 a.m.

CAAP said upon touchdown, PAF's aircraft TGR322 "bounced on the runway and made a stop." This resulted in the aircraft being stuck on the runway.

In a statement, PAF said the aircraft — a Cessna 208B EX Grand Caravan — experienced engine fire shortly after take off, prompting the pilots to perform immediate emergency landing at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. 

"The engine problem  resulted to extreme difficulty in maneuvering the aircraft, but in spite of this, the pilots were able to land the aircraft,  with all five aircrew onboard well and safe," it said.

CAAP said the runway was cleared of the disabled aircraft at 4:45 a.m., while the runway was for operations at 5:10 a.m.

Around 30 domestic flights and five international flights were affected by the incident.

PAF said a thorough investigation of the incident is being undertaken.

"Rest assured, the PAF is committed to ensuring the utmost safety of our air operations while continuously supporting the country’s security  and development efforts," it said.  —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News