MANILA - Airlines should be "bold enough" to face disgruntled passengers amid the cancellation and delay of dozens of flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after the closure of its main runway, its manager said Sunday.

Some passengers complained that some airlines have failed to give updates on replacement flights and check on their needs.

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One airline also asked airport authorities to face passengers on its behalf while some others blamed the government for flight disruptions, said Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal.

"I am appealing to the airlines to be bold enough. Kung sila ang may kasalanan, tanggapin natin. Hindi naman tayo perpektong tao at ang sitwasyon natin is abnormal right now," Monreal said in a press briefing.

(If they are at fault, we will accept that. We are not perfect and our current situation is abnormal)

"Just be man enough. Kung nagkamali sila, kung magkamali kami, tatanggapin ko ho iyun, tatanggapin ng authority. But let's not pass the blame, let's not do finger-pointing," he added.

(If they committed a mistake, if we did so, authorities will accept that.)

ON THE PHONE: @angelmovido gives updates on the cancellation of flights today in NAIA. #ANCRecap pic.twitter.com/wxY5w6X0KX

— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) August 19, 2018

A Xiamen Airlines aircraft on Thursday evening landed on its second attempt before skidding onto the grass, ripping off its left engine and blocking the runway of the NAIA until Saturday noon.

Xiamen mounted 4 recovery flights on Saturday without clearance from MIAA, causing a problem with the gate assignment of planes that delayed the boarding and disembarking of passengers from other flights, said Monreal.

MIAA, however, lacks authority to penalize Xiamen and other airlines that snub protocols and moral responsibility, the official admitted.

He apologized anew to passengers amid the flight disruptions and urged them to remain calm in dealing with airline representatives.

An investigation into the runway mess is underway. Airport officials said they were looking at several factors, including bad weather and communications between the pilot and control tower.

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