NAIA operator investigates ground incident involving Saudia aircraft

A ground incident involving a Saudia aircraft forced the cancellation of an international flight at Ninoy Aquino International Airport late Monday, although no injuries were reported, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said.

Initial reports showed the wingtip of the taxiing Saudia Flight SV871 came into contact with the tail of a parked Philippine Airlines Airbus A320 at around 11:38 p.m. 

All passengers aboard the Saudia flight were safely disembarked, and the aircraft was towed to a designated bay for inspection. NNIC said both aircraft sustained damage and are undergoing technical assessment, while no airport infrastructure or ground equipment was affected. 

“A full investigation is currently being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including a review of airside communications, aircraft movement records, and other relevant operational data,” the airport operator said. 

NNIC said it is working with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the airlines involved to support the investigation. It added that NAIA continued to operate normally despite the incident.

—Edited by Miguel R. Camus