Cebu Pacific Flight to Tawi Tawi Returns to Zamboanga Due to Technical Issue

Thinking of flying to Tawi Tawi for that long-awaited island escape? You are definitely not alone. This remote province in the southern part of the Philippines is high on the travel wish list for those who love untouched beaches, rich culture, and off the beaten path adventures. But on 29 June, travellers on board Cebu Pacific flight 5J 4965 experienced something unexpected that temporarily delayed their journey to this island paradise.

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The Flight Took Off as Planned, Until a Technical Issue Came Up

Image credit: Carabaopower | Wikimedia commons

Flight 5J 4965 departed from Zamboanga International Airport at 11.35 am with 157 passengers ready to enjoy Tawi Tawi’s unique beauty. Everything was running smoothly at first. Passengers were already imagining their arrival in one of the Philippines' most beautiful destinations. But shortly after takeoff, the crew detected a technical concern that required immediate attention.

Instead of continuing the flight, the pilots decided to return to Zamboanga. The aircraft landed safely at 12.12 pm, and the decision to return was made purely as a precaution. Safety always comes first, especially in situations like this.

Cebu Pacific Responded Quickly and Prioritised Safety

Image credit: M Radzi Desa | Wikimedia commons

The airline later confirmed that the return was due to a technical issue that needed to be checked before the plane could fly again. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines also confirmed this in their official statement.

While it is never fun to experience delays during a trip, Cebu Pacific acted promptly. Passengers were looked after during the wait, with meals and assistance provided at the airport. Knowing that the airline puts passenger safety first is always reassuring for future travellers.read

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A New Aircraft Took Over the Flight to Tawi Tawi

Image credit: TheJMP617 | Wikimedia commons

To get the passengers to their destination, Cebu Pacific arranged a replacement aircraft. This time, an A320neo was used for the recovery flight. This newer and more efficient aircraft model was scheduled to take off at 3 pm, but due to some adjustments, the flight eventually departed at 4.09 pm.

Even with the delay, the passengers were given