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How NAIA chaos affected Team Philippines competing in the Asian Games

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Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/08/23/naia.jpg"/><figcaption>A massive number of passengers occupy the lobby of NAIA Terminal 1, following the cancellation of flights caused by an accident involving a Xiamen Airlines aircraft that rendered the runway unusable. The incident also affected the itinerary of some Filipino athletes and sports officials scheduled to participate in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. Raoul Esperas, ABS-CBN News</figcaption></figure></div>JAKARTA—Several members of the Philippine national delegation participating in the 2018 Asian Games were affected by the chaos at Ninoy Aquino International Airport last week, when a Xiamen Airlines jetliner skidded off the runway, an accident that prompted the cancellation of more 200 flights.No serious injuries related to the August 16 incident were reported, but it generated a tremendous headache for thousands of passengers who were stranded at the airport for more than a day.Cebu Pacific operations only normalized on Monday, with Philippine Airlines following suit within the week.The runway mess also caused a measure of distress for some Filipino athletes who were set to compete in the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia.“When we got here, (there were a few problems) sa airlines naman, because of what happened sa Manila,” chef-de-mission Richard Gomez told reporters on Wednesday night.“So ‘yung ibang bags, napunta sa Palembang instead of dito (sa Jakarta).”Greatly affected by the NAIA mess was the cycling team, as three of its riders — John Derick Farr, Lean Denise Belgira, and Ariana Dormitorio — got their bicycles late. Thankfully, the bikes arrived in time for their competition.These were not the only issues faced by Filipino athletes.“ &#x27;Yung canoe, hindi naman kakasya sa maliliit na eroplano nila, so we had to wait for a bigger plane para pumasok &#x27;yung canoe,” bared Gomez. “And then si BJ Ang, his Jet Skis were here already last week pa pero kaninang umaga lang lumabas. &#x27;Yung mga ganoong problems.”“Naka-affect talaga sa atin,” Gomez said when asked of the impact of the mess at NAIA. “At saka maraming mga athletes na naghintay ng matagal sa airport.”“Somehow, it really affected us.”Gomez said he is thankful that the national delegation was able to work things out upon its arrival in Jakarta, and that athletes remain in high spirits amidst the chaos.“I think wala naman silang problema. I think maganda ang spirit ng players natin, and they&#x27;re here to really play and hopefully win,” said Gomez.For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

The arrival from Manila to Indonesia and the transportation of the athletes' equipment became an issue.

The arrival from Manila to Indonesia and the transportation of the athletes' equipment became an issue.

How NAIA chaos affected Team Philippines competing in the Asian Games

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How NAIA chaos affected Team Philippines competing in the Asian Games

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 23, 2018 06:06 AM PHT

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Updated August 23, 2018 01:11 PM PHT

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2018 Asian Games

Xiamen Airlines

NAIA

flight cancellations

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