Jet Stuck Near Philippine Airport Runway Causes Delays, Cancellations

Manila --ndash; A commercial plane bound for Japan got stuck in grass near the runway at the Philippines’ main international airport on Saturday, causing flight delays and cancellations, officials said.

All 140 passengers and crew of the Jetstar flight to Narita airport in Tokyo were safe after the accident, which occurred as the plane was preparing to take off from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

The plane, a two-engine Airbus 320 jet, "overshot the turn [onto the runway], causing the front and right landing gears to veer towards the runway safety area, leaving the front to get imbedded in the soft ground," the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said in a statement.

Authorities closed the runway while ground crew pulled the Jetstar plane off the grassy portion. The aircraft was not removed until seven hours later, airport officials said.

"Simultaneous clearing of the runway and repair of damaged runway lights are now in progress," said Ed Monreal, general manager of the MIAA.

Three international flights were diverted to an airport north of Manila while more than a dozen domestic flights were cancelled.

Airlines advised passengers to expect delays due to the accident.

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