Basco airport closed anew after Air Force plane skids off runway
2024-Nov-02 19:00
Philippine Air Force Airbus C295 (PNA/Batanes Provincial Police Office)
MANILA – A few hours after resuming normal operations following Super Typhoon Leon, Basco Airport in Batanes is closed again for the weekend after a Philippine Air Force Airbus C295 skidded off the runway around 4 p.m. Friday.
The medium tactical transport aircraft delivered relief goods for the typhoon victims.
According to reports, the nose landing gear was detached upon touchdown, then skidded off the runway.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Basco said the airport will be closed for fixed-wing aircrafts until Nov. 3 while an investigation is being conducted, according to a statement from the provincial government.
All crew and passengers are safe, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said after an emergency meeting.
Leon placed Batanes under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5 on Oct. 30. Initial reports said 546 families or 1,589 individuals evacuated from their homes.
The airport was back to normal at 9:10 a.m. Friday, as announced by CAAP, until the accident happened. (PNA)