#Trending: Frustration, horror stories at the airport

MANILA, Philippines — Affected passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport took to social media their frustrations on their flights’ cancelation and delay due to the NAIA’s closure after a plane from China skidded off the runway upon landing last Thursday night.

Facebook user and journalist Lenie Lectura posted how her son was affected by the delayed flight and had to wait for five hours, only to be told by the pilot that they had to return to Taipei.

“Taipei to Manila flight was canceled Friday morning. Flight was rescheduled Saturday afternoon. Relieved to hear my son made it back to the Philippines. However, he called at 9:15 p.m. Saturday not from NAIA but Clark. At 2 a.m. Sunday, they are still inside the aircraft. Imagine that, five hours! And it gets better: the pilot just announced that they will return to Taipei,” she said.

Another Twitter post said, “Our friend arrived at 21:44 but guess what time she was able to get off the plane? 02:00 next day. Philippines, I am done, NAIA, I am done.”

Singapore-based Filipina-Swiss actress Nikki Muller posted a lengthy message on Instagram about the incident.

“Your country’s airport is its greatest ambassador and asset. If you wish to attract foreign investment, you must make an efficient airport a priority. It’s the first and last experience people remember about your nation. Infrastructure and flow is paramount. When one plane affects thousands of passengers, there’s a systemic problem. Horrific scenes at #naia from check-in to passengers in the terminal all sitting on the floor because they have been stranded for the past 18 hours. The main runway isn’t open for another 11 hours and that’s after a second extension,” she said.

“We have so much to offer as a country. Our airport doesn’t reflect our kick-ass ways and potential. The airport staff have been amazing. leadership is obviously appalling. People often dismiss situations like these blaming it on corruption etc. But this isn’t rocket science. I am surprised this terminal is still operational. On behalf of my country and everyone who is trying to help passengers today, I apologise to all travelers for this catastrophe. I’m sorry that there’s nothing anyone can do until leadership see this as a priority. So no hope there. Haha If they don’t budge, then this will continue. Such is life,” she added.

Some netizens also uploaded photos of stranded passengers crowding the airport, captioned, “too hot, too crowded;” “longest layover in history,” “from chaos to coordinated we have finally arrived in Taipei #TPE. There are still thousands of people stuck in #NAIA and they are expected to be sorted out within 3-5 days!!!!! Just really bad recovery on NAIA’s part.”

Others complained of “poor management and customer services.”

“Waited all day long in Manila Airport yesterday for our flight to Switzerland without any water, meal or accommodation. All the flights were cancelled due to the main runway closure, but will re-open at noon according to the airport. At that time we still have any news for a rebooking or even for a hotel. What a good example of poor management and customer services,” an Instagram post said.