MANILA, Philippines — Citing urgent safety concerns and the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Sunday the cancellation of seven flights to and from major regional hubs through March 3, 2026.
The cancellations primarily impact flights connecting Manila to Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh.
- March 2 Cancellations:
- Doha: Flights PR684 and PR685 (To/From)
- Dubai: Flights PR658 and PR659 (To/From)
- Riyadh: Flights PR654 and PR655 (To/From)
- March 3 Cancellations:
- Doha: Flight PR685 (Manila-bound)
PAL representatives stated that the decision was made “in the interest of ensuring the safety of our passengers, crew, and ground personnel.” The move mirrors similar actions taken by international carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, which have all adjusted their schedules due to airspace disruptions following recent military strikes in the region.
Passengers whose flights have been canceled are not left stranded without recourse. PAL has opened the following options:
- Rebooking: Change flight dates without penalties (subject to seat availability).
- Refund: Claim a full refund for the unused portion of the ticket.
- Travel Fund: Convert the ticket value into a credit for future travel.
The cancellations highlight the significant disruption the Middle East conflict is causing to the global Filipino community. With thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) relying on these routes for employment and family visits, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the DFA are closely monitoring the situation to assist those caught in the travel backlog.