Philippine Airlines has released a passenger advisory outlining the steps travelers should take in the event of flight cancellations, as the flag carrier continues to suspend services to and from the Middle East amid an ongoing regional security crisis with no clear end in sight.
The disruptions cover routes between Manila and three major Gulf hubs — Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh — and currently run through March 15, 2026, with one Doha-to-Manila service on March 16 also pulled from the schedule.
The “PAL Cares” advisory, circulated on PAL’s official channels, walks passengers through what to expect and what options are available when a flight is cancelled. According to the advisory, PAL will attempt to automatically rebook passengers on the next available flight whenever possible, with updated itineraries sent via SMS or email. Passengers who cannot be accommodated on an early alternative flight may request a refund of their unused ticket, convert it to Travel Credit, or rebook to another available flight within 60 days. Those already at the airport are directed to the PAL Transfer or Assistance Desk, while passengers facing overnight disruptions are advised to approach PAL ground staff, who may arrange meals, hotel accommodation, or transportation assistance for cancellations attributable to the airline.
The advisory also flags a common problem: passengers who booked through travel agents may miss notifications if the agent’s contact details — rather than the passenger’s personal email and mobile number — are registered in the booking.
PAL has said it is coordinating closely with aviation authorities, airport operators, and government agencies regarding airspace and operational advisories, and emphasized that “all operational decisions are guided by authoritative risk assessments and civil aviation safety protocols.”
The cancellations trace back to February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks and triggering airspace closures across multiple countries including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Dubai International Airport suspended operations on March 7 after a drone attack near its terminal, coinciding with Iran launching 16 ballistic missiles and 120 drones into the UAE. Qatar’s Hamad International Airport also temporarily suspended operations.
On March 11 and 12 alone, PAL cancelled flights PR 685 and PR 684 on the Doha-Manila route, PR 658/659 on the Manila-Dubai route, and PR 654/655 on the Manila-Riyadh route.
With commercial flights grounded, the Philippine government has been working to get stranded overseas Filipino workers home through alternate means. The Department of Migrant Workers secured commercial seats for OFWs in the UAE departing via Emirates airline, while flights from Riyadh are being arranged with the earliest departure expected on March 14. The repatriation effort is being funded through the emergency repatriation fund of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. Over 400 Filipinos had returned to the Philippines as of the latest government count.
Passengers with upcoming travel to Doha, Dubai, or Riyadh are advised to check their flight status through the PAL website, mobile app, or official social media channels before proceeding to the airport.
