Flag carrier to resume nonstop Manila-Dubai flights from October 2.
Manila: Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to restart nonstop flights between Manila and Dubai on October 2, bringing an end to a months-long suspension of the important route as the flag carrier gradually resumes its Middle East services.
PAL said the Manila-Dubai-Manila route will initially operate four times a week, with flights scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The airline said the decision to restore the service follows recent developments in the Middle East.
The resumption of the route is particularly important for passengers travelling between the Philippines and the UAE, including overseas Filipino workers, families, business travellers and tourists, as well as customers relying on cargo services.
Dubai also serves as a major international transit hub, providing connections to destinations across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
PAL’s return to the route on October 2, 2026, will restore direct air connectivity between Manila and Dubai after more than seven months of disruption linked to the regional security situation. The airline will initially operate four flights a week, with the possibility of gradually returning to daily services depending on operating conditions.
Why PAL suspended Dubai flights
PAL’s Manila-Dubai operations were first disrupted on February 28 and March 1 following an escalation in the Middle East conflict and restrictions that affected regional airspace and airport operations.
On February 28, the airline cancelled flight PR659 from Dubai to Manila. A day later, both PR658 and PR659, covering the Manila-Dubai-Manila route, were cancelled. A Manila-Dubai flight that had already taken off was also forced to return to Manila due to operational restrictions affecting PAL’s Middle East stations.
As the regional security situation worsened and airspace conditions remained uncertain, the airline repeatedly extended the suspension.
By March 13, PAL had cancelled Dubai flights through March 28, with an airline executive saying security assessments indicated that operating services to Dubai continued to carry significant risks.
The suspension was later extended until April 30 because of ongoing security concerns and uncertainty surrounding regional airspace and airport operations.
In May, PAL once again prolonged the suspension of its Dubai services, this time until August 2.
The Manila-Dubai route remained suspended for several months, with operations now scheduled to resume on October 2.
Four weekly flights initially
PAL will restart the route with four flights a week under the following schedule:
- PR658 Manila-Dubai: Operates on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, departing Manila at 12:50pm and arriving in Dubai at 6pm.
- PR659 Dubai-Manila: Operates on the same days, leaving Dubai at 7:45pm and arriving in Manila at 9:10am the following day.
PAL said it plans to gradually increase the frequency to daily flights, depending on operational conditions. This means the initial four-times-weekly schedule could be expanded as circumstances allow.
PAL rolls out Dubai fare promotion
Ahead of the route’s return, PAL launched a one-day flash sale on September 23, offering passengers 50% off base fares for Dubai flights booked through its website or mobile app using the promotional code PALDXB50.
The airline also promoted a special all-in round-trip fare starting from $650, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.
While the September 23 flash sale has already ended, the $650 introductory fare was announced as a limited-time promotion.
Why the restart matters for Filipinos in the UAE
The Manila-Dubai route serves as a key direct air connection between the Philippines and the UAE, providing an important travel option for Filipinos living and working in the Emirates.
During the suspension, passengers had to turn to alternative airlines or connecting flights as PAL continued to evaluate security and operating conditions in the region.
The Dubai restart comes as other airlines gradually adjust their Middle East operations. However, carriers continue to closely monitor regional security developments and airspace restrictions, with PAL emphasising that its flight schedules remain subject to prevailing conditions.
PAL has also restored its Manila-Doha service, while flights between Manila and Riyadh resumed in April following an earlier suspension of Middle East operations.
What passengers should do
PAL has advised travellers to check their booking details and latest flight status before heading to the airport, as schedules may be adjusted in response to operational or security developments.
Passengers are encouraged to verify their individual itineraries through PAL’s official booking and flight-status channels rather than relying only on previously published schedules.
The airline said it will continue monitoring developments across the region and plans to restore additional capacity when operating conditions permit.
By the numbers
October 2 — Scheduled restart of Manila-Dubai flights
4 — Initial number of flights per week
7 — Weekly flights PAL aims to eventually operate, subject to operational conditions
$650 — Introductory all-in round-trip fare announced by the airline
50% — Discount on base fares offered during PAL’s September 23 flash sale
PR658/PR659 — Flight numbers for the Manila-Dubai-Manila service
