MANILA, Philippines — The government will demand from Xiamen Air at least P33 million in fines for the inconvenience caused by the accident involving its jet last Aug. 16 that delayed flights and stranded thousands of passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal said the amount could go higher depending on the outcome of negotiations. He said the fine would cover the cost of lifting and towing the damaged passenger jet that affected at least 250,000 passengers using the NAIA. At the inquiry conducted by the Senate committee on public services chaired by Sen. Grace Poe, officials of Xiamen Air, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Monreal separately apologized for the incident. “Xiamen Air would like to express our regret for the inconvenience suffered by those affected by the unfortunate incident,” general manager Lin Huagun said through a female interpreter after he stood up and bowed to the panel.

Source: Philippine Star August 29, 2018 15:33 UTC