Sibu Airport expected to reopen only at noon Monday

SIBU: The Sibu Airport is expected to resume normal operations by noon Monday, instead of 10pm Sunday as was previously scheduled.

As a result of the new deadline, all morning flights on Monday will be cancelled.

Sibu Airport manager Zainuddin Abu Nasir said the delay behind the reopening of the airport was due to repair works being carried out on the runway following Saturday's incident after a MAS aircraft skidded when it attempted to land during a heavy downpour.

He said the airport could not be reopened as projected as the runway had several holes that needed to be filled up.

"We have to continue closing the runway and the airport shall only

open at noon (Apr 10). Cleaning-up works will resume tonight. This

part of the process is to ensure the safety of passengers. We have issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to advise airlines on the closure," he added.

The airport closure resulted in the cancellation of 28 MASwings flights, AirAsia (16) and MAS (four), affecting 3,787 passengers.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was carrying 61 passengers and six crew members when it skidded and landed in an awkward position.

All on board safely disembarked via two slide rafts. No injuries have been reported.

The cause of the incident is being investigated by the Department of Civil Aviation.

Related story:

MAS plane skids off runway during landing at Sibu Airport