MANILA, Philippines — The Japan-bound passenger plane of Jetstar Asia that veered off the runway while departing from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) early Saturday has already been towed a hangar.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport authorities said that around 10:30 a.m., the plane has been moved to the Lufthansa Technik Aircraft Maintenance Center inside the airport complex.

The NAIA media affairs office further said in an update that clearing operations at the runway continue even as airport General Manager Ed Monreal also said lights damaged at the runway because of the incident are also being repaired.

The early-morning incident disrupted several flights at NAIA’s main gateway as runway 13-31, where it happened, had to be closed. NAIA’s other runway, 06-24, remained open.

As of 10 a.m. Saturday, a total of 11 flights have been delayed due to the incident. At least three flights supposed to land in Manila at the time were diverted to the Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

Initial reports from the Manila tower showed that Jetstar’s Airbus A320 experienced runway excursion upon making a 180-degree turn for departure while taxiing and got stuck at the grassy portion.

“The incident occurred at 2:32 a.m. The MIAA Fire and Rescue and Operations teams immediately proceeded to the site to assist the passengers and crew,” read a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Manila International Airport Authority.

All the passengers were safe. (IAMIGO/CNS)