Contrary to the claim of Ninoy Aquino International Airport officials that operation in the country’s premier gateway is now normal, incoming and outgoing flights were delayed up to two hours Saturday due to air traffic congestion.

Cebu Pacific flight 5J 391 was supposed to depart 1:25 p.m. from Manila to Laguindingan airport but it was only able to depart two hours after its scheduled take off.

Passengers inside the plane became restless as it awaited its turn on the runway where at least seven aircraft were put on a queue.

The ordeal of passengers did not end upon arrival after the one hour flight as mobile phone signals were shut down for several hours because of a coronation event for Miss Cagayan de Oro.

The passengers had to wait for several hours to contact friends or relatives in the city.