Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have canceled over 110 flights to and from the Middle East as of March 11, 2026. The cancellations affect routes to Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha amid escalating security concerns in the region. Both airlines cite passenger and crew safety as the primary reason for the disruptions.

Major Flight Disruptions Hit Philippine Carriers

Scope of Canceled Routes

  • Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have suspended multiple routes to the Middle East amid escalating security concerns in the region.
  • Over 110 flights to and from the Philippines have either been canceled or diverted since the conflict began.
  • Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha are among the most affected destinations for Filipino travelers.

Safety as Primary Concern

  • Both airlines cite passenger, crew, and ground personnel safety as the main reason for the widespread cancellations.
  • The ongoing armed conflict in parts of the Middle East has prompted aviation authorities to reassess flight routes passing through sensitive airspace.
  • Airlines continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation in consultation with aviation regulators.

Philippine Airlines Suspends Key Routes

Cancelled Flights as of March 11-12

  • PR 658/659: Manila-Dubai-Manila (March 11, 2026)
  • PR 684: Manila-Doha (March 12, 2026)
  • PR 654-655: Manila-Riyadh-Manila (March 12, 2026)

Expanded Cancellation Period

  • PAL has implemented rolling cancellations based on ongoing security assessments.
  • The flag carrier emphasized that schedule adjustments prioritize the safety of all stakeholders.
  • Passengers holding tickets to affected Middle East destinations are advised to check with the airline for updates.

Cebu Pacific Offers Rebooking Flexibility

Free Rebooking for Affected Passengers

  • CEB is providing complimentary rebooking options for passengers scheduled to fly to Dubai and Riyadh.
  • Travel Fund conversion is available for those who wish to postpone their trips until conditions improve.
  • These flexible policies apply to flights scheduled until March 31, 2026.

Ongoing Operational Review

  • Cebu Pacific continues to evaluate its Middle East flight operations on a day-to-day basis.
  • The low-cost carrier has not ruled out additional route suspensions depending on how the situation develops.
  • 5J 14/15: Manila-Dubai-Manila is among the routes canceled for March 12.

Traveler Advisory and Next Steps

What Passengers Should Do

  • Contact your airline directly for rebooking options and refund procedures.
  • Monitor official airline channels and government travel advisories for real-time updates.
  • Consider postponing non-essential travel to the Middle East until the conflict subsides.

Continued Monitoring Expected

  • Aviation industry observers anticipate further adjustments as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict unfold.
  • Philippine aviation authorities remain in close coordination with international partners.
  • Both PAL and CEB have committed to providing timely announcements as conditions change.