PAL aircraft makes ‘rough’ landing at HK airport

MANILA — An aircraft of Philippine Airlines (PAL) made a rough landing Tuesday noon at the Hong Kong International Airport after experiencing turbulence brought about by typhoon “Luis” (international name: Kalmaegi).

PAL, however, clarified that the rough landing was not to be confused to an emergency landing, which forces an aircraft to land due to crisis that interferes with the operation of the aircraft or sudden medical emergencies.

PAL’s Airbus 330 plane, Flight PR300 departed from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (NAIA T2) at 8:08 a.m. and landed in Hong Kong at 11:05 a.m. amid rough weather conditions.

The aircraft had a total of 312 passengers, the airline said.

The flight was commandeered by Captain Alberto Jimenez and First Officer Ned Clarence Javier, who earlier opted to divert the flight to Macau since the typhoon was already battering Hong Kong, but was able to land at the Hong Kong International Airport.

PAL, however, said there was a 55-minute delay in landing due turbulent weather and air traffic congestion.