Airport in south Philippines closed after plane overshoots runway

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) closed Saturday the Butuan airport in Southern Philippines following a commercial aircraft carrying more than 100 people veered away from the runway as it was preparing to takeoff this morning. At least seven flights to and from Butuan airport were cancelled as the only runway was ordered to be closed until Sunday afternoon, the CAAP said. The nose wheel of Cebu Pacific flight 5J 220 bound for Central Philippine city of Cebu went off the runway of Butuan airport in Agusan del Norte province as it was turning in preparation for takeoff at about 10:00 a.m., the agency said. Fortunately, no one from the 105 passengers, two pilots and four cabin crew was reported injured in the incident. The plane, an A319 type of aircraft, was grounded after the event as the CAAP immediately dispatched a team to determine the cause of the accident. "All passengers have deplaned and are currently being re- accommodated in the next available flights," the agency said.