NNIC says investigation underway on Saudia-PAL aircraft incident

NEW NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has assured that there were no injuries following an aircraft incident at the airport on Tuesday.

“All passengers aboard the departing aircraft were safely disembarked. Both aircraft sustained damage that is now undergoing technical assessment. No airport infrastructure or ground equipment was damaged,” NNIC said in a statement on Wednesday.

A ground incident involving two aircraft occurred at NAIA on Tuesday, NNIC said, adding that a Saudia flight SV871 was taxing for departure and collided with a parked Philippine Airlines (PAL) aircraft.

It said that initial reports showed that the wingtip of the taxing Saudia Airlines aircraft struck the tail section of the Philippine Airlines aircraft.

NNIC said that a full investigation of the incident is now underway to fully assess the circumstances of the incident.

“NNIC said it is extending its full cooperation to the concerned airlines and aviation authorities to ensure a thorough and objective review. Updates will be provided through official channels as verified information becomes available,” it said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose