Landing gear issue grounds Air Asia flight from Tacloban City

An AirAsia flight originating from Tacloban City was grounded due to a technical issue involving its landing gear on Saturday, August 1, according to local aviation authorities. The incident occurred shortly before takeoff, leading to the cancellation of the Manila-bound flight and causing temporary disruptions at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport. No injuries were reported during the incident. The technical problem was identified around 6 a.m., prompting the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Tacloban to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This alert informed pilots and air traffic controllers about the disruption, which required adjustments to airport operations. As a result, several incoming and outgoing flights experienced minor delays while the affected aircraft remained on the runway. Airport operations resumed approximately four hours later, around 9:45 a.m., after the AirAsia plane was safely towed to the airport’s bay area for further inspection and evaluation. The CAAP continued to monitor the situation, ensuring all safety protocols were followed during the process. Officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the flight number, the exact cause of the landing gear malfunction, or the number of passengers impacted by the cancellation. AirAsia has since rescheduled the canceled flight and is working with affected travelers to update their travel plans. According to the Philippine Information Agency in Eastern Visayas (PIA-8), the airline is providing assistance to passengers who were inconvenienced by the delay. As of Saturday afternoon, the airport had fully restored normal operations, with no ongoing reports of additional issues affecting other flights. Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport serves as the primary commercial hub for the region, handling numerous daily flights connecting Tacloban to major cities such as Manila. Flights operated by AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines frequently utilize the facility, making it a critical link in regional air travel. The grounding of one aircraft, though brief, highlights the potential impact of technical malfunctions on airport efficiency and passenger schedules. The incident underscores the importance of routine maintenance and safety checks in aviation operations. While the specifics of the landing gear issue remain undisclosed, such problems can range from mechanical failures to software glitches, each requiring thorough investigation to ensure safe air travel. The CAAP and AirAsia are likely conducting detailed reviews to determine the root cause and implement preventive measures to avoid similar occurrences in the future.