Disruptive passenger prompts diversion of Cebu Pacific flight

MANILA, Philippines - A Cebu Pacific flight from Dubai to Manila was diverted to India yesterday after a passenger became disruptive.

The passenger has been offloaded from the flight and placed in the custody of the Philippine consulate in New Delhi, Cebu Pacific said in a statement yesterday.

It has informed the passenger’s family of the situation, Cebu Pacific added.

The carrier is now coordinating with the relevant authorities in India and the Philippines on the matter.

Cebu Pacific will continue to provide information as updates become available.

The airline currently operates flights to cities in North Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Fire alarm at Mactan airport

Passengers were asked to evacuate the Mactan-Cebu International Airport yesterday after black smoke was seen at the terminal.

No injuries and casualties were reported, and no   flights were cancelled. 

The general fire alarm was raised at 1:30 p.m. after thick black smoke spread throughout the terminal, according to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesman Eric Apolonio, citing information from Mactan-Cebu Airport area manager Ferdinand Tatlonghari.

“The suspected cause is electrical,” the CAAP said.

The smoke came from the air handling unit at the arrival area, Mactan Cebu Airport said via Twitter.

Fire and rescue workers responded after the alarm was raised. 

At 2:25 p.m., the fire was declared under control. 

Passengers were asked to go back inside the airport after the terminal was declared safe for re-entry