Hong Kong-bound PAL flight delayed after NAIA security incident
Philippine Airlines Flight PR300 bound for Hong Kong is seen on the taxiway at NAIA following a security incident.
Philippine Airlines confirmed that Flight PR300 bound for Hong Kong was temporarily held at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Thursday morning, July 2, following a security incident.
Authorities said passengers reported hearing a loud popping sound, suspected to have been caused by an unidentified object, just before the aircraft was scheduled to depart at 7:50 a.m.
The flight crew immediately alerted the control tower, and the plane, which had begun taxiing, was ordered to halt.
All passengers were safely disembarked while security teams conducted a thorough inspection.
After several hours of checks, including a full luggage screening, the aircraft was declared safe.
The plane was repositioned at Gate 16 of NAIA Terminal 1 while awaiting clearance for passengers to reboard and continue their journey.
Philippine Airlines said it coordinated closely with authorities and followed established security protocols.
“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline said in a statement, adding that teams are assisting affected travelers and preparing the flight for departure.