Sunlight Air Plane Incident in Siquijor Explained for Travellers

On January 5, 2026, a Sunlight Air flight from Mactan Cebu to Siquijor experienced a landing issue at Siquijor Airport. The incident happened as the aircraft was touching down, when one of the nose landing gear tires deflated upon landing. Because of this, the plane slightly veered away from the runway centre line and eventually came to a stop on the runway.

While situations like this can sound alarming, the most important thing to note is that all passengers and crew members were safe, and no injuries were reported. Travellers were able to disembark safely, and there was no need for emergency medical assistance.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also known as CAAP, standard airport safety and recovery procedures were immediately activated. Airport personnel worked closely with Sunlight Air to secure the aircraft and assess the situation. CAAP has since confirmed that the incident is under review, as part of normal aviation safety protocol.

Sunlight Air later released a statement acknowledging the incident and reassuring the public that passenger safety remains its top priority. The airline confirmed that the aircraft encountered a technical issue during landing and that proper procedures were followed throughout the situation. Due to the runway being temporarily unavailable, several flights scheduled for the rest of the day were cancelled. Affected passengers were assisted by the airline with rebooking and necessary arrangements.

For travellers, especially those flying to island destinations like Siquijor, this incident highlights how operational challenges can happen even on short domestic routes. Siquijor Airport is a small airport that serves a growing number of visitors, particularly as more travellers look for easier alternatives to long ferry rides.

Despite the disruption, this situation also showed how aviation safety systems and response teams are designed to work. The issue was handled promptly, passengers were kept safe, and authorities coordinated efficiently on the ground. These are reassuring signs for anyone who frequently travels by air within the Philippines.

If you have upcoming travel plans to Siquijor, it is a good idea to monitor flight updates, stay in touch with your airline, and allow some flexibility in your schedule. Incidents like this are rare, but being informed helps travellers make smarter decisions.

As more airlines expand routes to popular island destinations, keeping up with travel news, airline advisories, and airport updates becomes just as important as booking the flight itself.

All images credited to SOLID FM 92.3 Cebu City