Landing and take-off operations at Butuan Airport (BXU) were temporarily suspended on Sunday, 09 August 2026, after a Cebu Pacific (5J) aircraft became disabled on the runway.
The incident occurred at 0738H when Cebu Pacific flight 5J 786 was taxiing for departure on Runway 12. During a turn, the aircraft’s landing gear became stuck in a grassy portion adjacent to the runway. Airport personnel immediately assisted passengers in disembarking safely at the end of the runway. Following the incident, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officially suspended all flight operations at the airport at 0748H to clear the obstruction.
The temporary runway closure disrupted travel plans across multiple commercial carriers, leading to the cancellation of 11 domestic flights bound for Manila and Cebu. Cebu Pacific was forced to cancel five flights on its Butuan to Manila route, including flights 5J 786, 5J 788, 5J 790, 5J 792, and 5J 794. Its regional subsidiary, Cebgo, also canceled three flights bound for Cebu, specifically DG 6924, DG 6926, and DG 6930.
National flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) was similarly impacted, canceling PR 2334 to Cebu, along with PR 2939 and PR 2942 to Manila. Affected passengers have been offered assistance and recovery options by their respective airlines, including free rebooking, full refunds, or converting ticket values into travel funds.
CAAP stated that it continues to closely monitor operations and weather developments in coordination with airline operators and government agencies, reiterating that passenger safety remains its highest priority.
Photo courtesy of CAAP.