A Cebu Pacific flight bound for Manila made an emergency landing back at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on Saturday morning due to landing gear issues.

The aircraft was carrying 162 adults and one infant.

In a Facebook post, passenger Remton Siega Zuasola wrote: "BRACE FOR IMPACT — Just survived an emergency landing due to landing gear failure. Shaken but all is fine. Daghang Salamat Ginoo!"

MCIA Assistant General Manager Atty. Glenn Napuli and MCIAA Public Affairs Division Manager Mary Ann Dimabayao told DAILY TRIBUNE that Cebu Pacific, as per protocol, will issue the official statement regarding the incident.

According to passengers, the crew instructed them to "remove sharp objects from your body, place hands behind your head, and brace for impact."

Reports indicate that the aircraft had to circle over MCIA to burn fuel and reduce the risk of fire upon landing. Some passengers were seen crying during the ordeal.

An initial report from MCIAA's Nerve Command Center stated that the aircraft's sensor failed to detect the landing gear. The command center advised the aircraft to circle twice, and by the time it reached Barangay Basak in Lapu-Lapu City, the landing gear deployed, allowing for an emergency landing.

As of this writing, Cebu Pacific has not released an official statement.

Meanwhile, MCIAA officials are attending to the visit of newly installed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon on Saturday, 8 March 2025.