PAL Regional Head Josh Vasquez Confirms Manila–Dubai and Manila–Doha Flights Remain on Schedule Despite Riyadh Cancellations.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has extended the suspension of its flights between Manila and Riyadh until November 29, citing continuing security concerns at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport.
The Philippine flag carrier announced the extension on Monday, explaining that the decision was made in response to the changing security situation affecting airport operations in Riyadh.
PAL initially suspended flights PR654 and PR655 last week and has since decided to prolong the cancellations as it continues assessing safety conditions.
The airline stated that it is closely monitoring regional developments and evaluating factors that could affect the safe operation of its services. It added that further announcements would be issued whenever necessary.
Meanwhile, Josh Vasquez, PAL’s regional head for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent (EMEA & ISC), confirmed to on Monday that flights connecting Manila with Dubai and Doha continue to operate according to schedule.
Cebu Pacific Extends Manila–Riyadh Flight Suspension
Philippine budget carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) has also announced an extension of its flight cancellations between Manila and Riyadh, with the suspension continuing until October 13.
The airline warned passengers that additional schedule adjustments could occur in the coming days as the regional security situation continues to develop.
Cebu Pacific advised travellers to check their flight status regularly and ensure their contact information is updated through the airline’s booking management portal.
This will allow passengers to receive timely notifications regarding possible cancellations, delays or other changes to their travel arrangements.
The airline added that it would continue reviewing its Middle East operations and release further updates based on developments in the region.
Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific had previously cancelled services from Friday through Sunday amid escalating missile attacks attributed to Iran-backed Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia.
The attacks form part of a campaign that reportedly intensified during the summer, including the October 10 strike on King Khalid International Airport.
According to the report, the airport attack resulted in at least 12 deaths and more than 300 injuries, with four Filipino nationals among those injured.
Migrant Group Calls for Clear Evacuation Plans
Amid the continuing regional tensions, Migrante International has urged the Philippine government to ensure that victims of the attacks and their families receive adequate assistance and support.
The organisation emphasised that the needs of affected Filipino nationals, including their relatives residing in the Philippines, should be fully addressed.
Speaking to on Monday, Garry Martinez, chairperson emeritus of Migrante International, called on the government to publicly outline its emergency evacuation arrangements for Filipinos living and working in the Middle East.
Martinez specifically urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to disclose the country’s evacuation strategy in case regional hostilities intensify.
The appeal highlights concerns about the safety of overseas Filipino workers and other Philippine nationals who could be affected by further disruptions across the region.
Garry Martinez, chairperson emeritus of Migrante International, stressed that a “wait-and-see” approach is unacceptable during a crisis of this magnitude, urging Philippine authorities to take immediate and proactive measures to protect overseas Filipino workers.
Martinez also raised concerns over reports he had received suggesting that calls to the emergency hotlines of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) were going unanswered.
He emphasised that government agencies must provide reliable and efficient assistance during emergencies, particularly when the safety and wellbeing of Filipino nationals abroad are at risk.
Martinez further criticised any shortcomings in emergency response services, stressing that inadequate assistance should not be tolerated during a crisis.
At the time of the report, neither the DMW nor the OWWA had issued an official statement addressing the latest escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi forces.
