Safety concerns lead to flight cancellations, with rebooking options available for passengers.
Dubai: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines has temporarily suspended flights between Manila and key Middle East destinations, including Dubai and Doha, until April 30 due to ongoing regional tensions.
In its latest advisory, PAL described the suspension as a “precautionary measure” in response to the evolving situation, which has created uncertainties around airspace access and airport operations.
“The safety of our passengers, crew, and aircraft remains PAL’s highest priority. Given the current environment, PAL has determined that temporarily suspending these services is the most prudent course of action while conditions remain fluid,” the airline said.
Suspended Flights:
The affected routes are:
- PR 658/659: Manila–Dubai–Manila
- PR 684: Manila–Doha
- PR 685: Doha–Manila
Additionally, PR 685 (Doha–Manila) is also cancelled on May 1.
Options for Travellers:
Passengers affected by the cancellations can:
- Rebook their flights once services resume
- Convert their tickets into travel credits for future use
- Request a full refund in accordance with airline policies
Philippine Airlines has assured passengers that its customer service teams are available through its website, contact centre, and ticket offices to provide support.
Cargo Shipments:
The suspension also affects cargo operations on these routes. The airline is coordinating with logistics partners to explore alternative routes to ensure the continued transport of essential shipments wherever possible.
Next Steps:
PAL stated that it will continue monitoring the situation and urged passengers to exercise patience and understanding as conditions evolve.
“Philippine Airlines continues to closely monitor developments and coordinate with aviation authorities and relevant stakeholders to determine when normal operations can safely resume,” the airline stated.
It added, “PAL remains committed to restoring our Middle East services as soon as conditions allow, while continuing to connect our passengers to the world with safe, reliable, and caring service.”
Travellers are advised to stay updated on their flight status and consider alternative travel options if their journeys are urgent, as the situation remains fluid.
