Cathay Pacific Flight CX918 Involved in Taxiway Error at Manila Airport

Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) is probing an incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila in which flight CX918 used an incorrect taxiway during departure preparations, leading to precautionary traffic control actions that delayed two other aircraft, reported South China Post. The event occurred on December 17, 2025, and the airline says it is cooperating fully with local aviation authorities as part of a detailed investigation into the ground-movement error.

Cathay Pacific, which has one of the best economy flights in the world, emphasized that passenger and crew safety was not at any time compromised, and operations returned to normal once the aircraft was cleared to re-enter the correct runway and depart for Hong Kong. The airline is likely to examine multiple operational factors, including pilot procedures and ground control coordination.

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Cathay Pacific’s Manila Airport Incident Overview

The incident involved Cathay Pacific flight CX918, a Boeing 777-300, that was preparing for takeoff from Manila’s main international aerodrome when the aircraft reportedly made “incorrect use of a taxiway” while taxiing for departure. Air Traffic Control (ATC) intervened and instructed two inbound aircraft to hold their approach or perform go-around manoeuvres as a precautionary safety measure until the ground situation was resolved.

Cathay Pacific, which recently inaugurated flights between Hong Kong and Changsha, confirmed that the flight subsequently received clearance to enter the runway and departed as scheduled for Hong Kong. The airline stressed that at no point was passenger or crew safety at risk, and it is providing full assistance to aviation regulators following standard incident investigation protocols.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) profile

A spokesperson of the airline was quoted in South China Morning Post as having said:

“During taxi for departure, the aircraft made incorrect use of a taxiway…..At no time was the safety of passengers or crew compromised. Cathay Pacific is conducting a thorough investigation and is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.”

Similar Incidents at Ninoy Aquino

Only last month, Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 operating flight GF-155 from Manila to Bahrain was involved in a runway incursion during taxi for departure at Manila’s runway 06. The incident occurred when the flight crew made an incorrect turn while taxiing, leading the aircraft onto the active runway without clearance.

During ground movement, the aircraft missed the designated turn onto the parallel taxiway and entered runway 06, effectively backtracking the runway. At the time, another aircraft was on final approach, prompting immediate intervention by air traffic control to prevent a conflict.

The A320 crew received instructions to go around as a safety precaution, and the aircraft was repositioned for another approach. It landed safely approximately 20 minutes later.

After vacating runway 06, the Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 taxied to the holding point and resumed normal departure procedures.

• The aircraft cleared the runway without further complication

• GF-155 departed Manila approximately eight minutes after vacating the runway.

Aircraft Involved In Cathay Pacific’s Runway Incursion in Manila

The aircraft involved was a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300, which is a part of the airline’s long-haul fleet. Cathay Pacific operates a mixed widebody fleet centred on Boeing 777 variants: the Boeing 777-300 and Boeing 777-300ER. These aircraft have an average age of 24.3 years and 13.2 years.

Registration	Delivery Date	Aircraft Age
B-HNE	Oct 1998	28.2 Years
B-HNF	Sep 1998	28.1 Years
B-HNG	Jun 1998	27.8 Years
B-HNH	May 1998	27.6 Years
B-HNI	Mar 1999	26.8 Years
B-HNJ	Jun 1999	26.5 Years
B-HNK	Sep 1999	26.2 Years
B-HNM	Oct 2003	22.2 Years
B-HNN	Nov 2003	22.1 Years
B-HNO	Feb 2004	21.8 Years
B-HNP	Apr 2005	20.7 Years
B-HNQ	Jul 2006	19.5 Years
B-HNS	Sep 2018	23.6 Years
B-HNU	Nov 2018	23.4 Years
B-HNV	Jun 2019	22.8 Years
B-HNW	May 2019	23.7 Years
B-HNX	Oct 2019	22.5 Years

Data: planespotters.net

All of the 777-300 operated by Cathay Pacific are configured with 42 business class seats and 396 economy class seats:

Category	Business	Economy
Seating & Layout	Forty-two recliner seats arranged in a 2-3-2 pattern	396 Recaro slimline cradle seats configured 3-4-3 and featuring an adjustable headrest, a bi-fold table plus a folding tablet holder/smartphone ledge with an integrated cup holder
Row pitch	47″	32″
Seat width	21″	17.2″
Seat recline	120°	4″
Entertainment	12.1″ touchscreen display	9″ HD touchscreen display
Power options	Universal 110V AC and USB-A sockets	Universal 110V AC and USB-A sockets

Source: Aerolopa

Bottom line

The Cathay Pacific taxiway incident at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport highlights persistent challenges in maintaining flawless ground operations at busy hubs. While safety was preserved and no injuries occurred, the event underscores the importance of rigorous procedural adherence, clear airport infrastructure, and robust coordination between flight crews and air traffic controllers.