Manila-bound jet returns to Cebu, makes emergency landing due to mechanical issue

Local

A CEBU Pacific flight bound for Manila made a safe emergency landing at Mactan-Cebu International Airport early Saturday morning, March 8, after experiencing landing gear issues mid-flight.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) confirmed that Cebu Pacific flight 5J 588, which departed for Manila at 4:41 a.m., encountered a mechanical issue that prompted its immediate return to Cebu.

The aircraft safely landed at 5:29 a.m., with all passengers and crew unharmed.

Airport authorities, in coordination with Cebu Pacific and relevant agencies, swiftly implemented safety protocols to ensure the well-being of passengers and the smooth handling of the incident.

A replacement aircraft was arranged, allowing passengers to continue their journey.

The substitute flight departed Cebu at 7:09 a.m. and landed safely in Manila at 8:04 a.m.

Among the passengers on board was Cebuano filmmaker Remton Zuasola, who recounted the intense moments inside the aircraft as the situation unfolded.

"The mood inside the cabin immediately shifted," Zuasola said, describing how passengers, initially resting, became anxious upon hearing the pilot’s urgent announcement.

Flight attendants promptly guided everyone through emergency landing procedures, instructing passengers to remove sharp objects and brace for impact.

For eight minutes, tension gripped the cabin as the aircraft made its way back to Cebu. Some passengers cried, others prayed, while turbulence added to the fear.

Zuasola recalled watching the sunrise as they descended, thinking, “What a beautiful view for my last moments.”

Despite the high-stress situation, the pilots executed a smooth landing, prompting cheers and applause from relieved passengers.

Several nuns on board took a moment to bless and thank the pilots for their skill and composure in handling the crisis.

Zuasola commended the airline’s response, praising the pilots and crew for their professionalism and calmness under pressure.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) later confirmed that the aircraft had encountered a landing gear malfunction, necessitating its return to Cebu.

MCIAA assured the public that safety remained its top priority and extended its gratitude to all involved for their swift response.

As of this writing, Cebu Pacific has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.(MyTVCebu)