173 passengers, crew reported safe after Korean Air jet overshoots Philippine runway
MANILA, Philippines – A Korean Air plane overshot the runway while landing in bad weather in the central Philippines late Sunday, but authorities said all 173 people on board were safe.
The airport on Mactan Island in Cebu province was closed indefinitely due to the stalled aircraft, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said.
Photos showed the front underbelly of the plane partly ripped away, but the airline and aviation agency didn't give details on the damage.
"All passengers are safe and being attended by ground personnel," the Philippine aviation agency said in a statement.
The Airbus A330 from Incheon, South Korea, attempted to land twice before overrunning the runway on the third attempt, Korean Air Lines Co. said in a statement. It said all passengers evacuated on the plane's escape slides.
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"I would like to extend my sincere sentiments regarding the Korean Air Flight KE631 incident at Mactan-Cebu International Airport on October 23, 2022. A thorough investigation will be performed together with the local aviation authorities and Korean authorities to determine the cause(s) of this event," Korean Air president Keehong Woo said in a statement. "We always prioritize safety in all of our operations, and we truly regret the stress and inconvenience brought to our passengers."
At least four incoming flights were diverted to Manila and a nearby airport, the Philippine aviation agency said.
Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 173 people safe after Korean Air runway incident in the Philippines
