BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — Landing and take-off operations at Butuan Airport were temporarily suspended Sunday, August 9, after a disabled aircraft blocked the airport runway, disrupting air travel and forcing the cancellation of 11 departing flights operated by Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, and Philippine Airlines.
The runway closure effectively halted both arriving and departing aircraft operations at the airport as authorities worked to monitor the situation and coordinate with concerned government agencies and airline operators.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed the suspension in an advisory issued Sunday, citing the presence of a disabled aircraft on the runway as the reason for the temporary shutdown.
Among the affected flights were five Cebu Pacific services bound for Manila: 5J 786, 5J 794, 5J 792, 5J 788, and 5J 790.
Three Cebgo flights bound for Cebu were also canceled: DG 6930, DG 6926, and DG 6924.
Philippine Airlines likewise canceled three flights departing Butuan, including PR 2334 bound for Cebu, and PR 2942 and PR 2939 bound for Manila.
The cancellations affected passengers who had been scheduled to travel to two of the country’s major aviation hubs—Manila and Cebu—during the Sunday travel period.
CAAP said the respective airlines provided affected passengers with available options, including flight rebooking, refunds, or travel funds, depending on their circumstances and the policies applicable to their disrupted flights.
The aviation authority did not immediately disclose the identity of the aircraft involved, the nature of the problem that disabled it, or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It also did not immediately announce a definite timetable for the removal of the aircraft and the full resumption of normal airport operations.
CAAP said it was continuing to closely monitor the situation at Butuan Airport while coordinating with government agencies and airline operators.
The agency also said it was monitoring weather developments as part of its assessment of airport operations.
The temporary closure underscores the potential for a single aircraft-related incident on an airport runway to trigger significant disruptions, particularly at airports with limited runway alternatives. With the runway unavailable, scheduled departures and arrivals could not proceed normally until authorities determine that the facility is safe for continued operations.
Passengers scheduled to fly from or into Butuan Airport were advised to coordinate directly with their respective airlines for the latest information regarding their flights, including rebooking arrangements, refunds, and other available travel options.
CAAP reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority as authorities work to restore normal operations at the airport.
Further details are expected once authorities complete their assessment of the disabled aircraft and determine when the runway can safely be cleared and reopened.