Philippine airlines extend cancellations of flights between Manila and Riyadh

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 12, 2026

Philippine Airlines has extended the suspension of its Manila-Riyadh flights until November 29 due to security threats following missile attacks on King Khalid International Airport. This disruption highlights ongoing risks in the region, prompting calls from Filipino migrant groups for the government to clarify evacuation plans amid difficulties in accessing support services.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has extended the suspension of its flights between Manila and Riyadh until November 29, citing concerns over the evolving security situation at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The airline initially halted flights PR654 and PR655 last week amid heightened tensions and ongoing attacks in the region.

PAL emphasized that it is closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of its operations and promised to provide further updates as necessary. Meanwhile, flights from Manila to Dubai and Doha continue to operate as scheduled, according to Josh Vasquez, PAL’s regional head for the Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Indian Subcontinent (EMEA & ISC) region.

In a related move, budget carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) has extended its suspension of flights between Manila and Riyadh until October 13. The airline warned that additional changes could occur due to the evolving situation and advised passengers to regularly check flight statuses and update their contact information through the airline’s online booking management system.

Both carriers had initially canceled their flights from Friday through Sunday following a series of missile strikes by Iran-backed Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia. The recent escalation includes an October 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport, which resulted in at least 12 fatalities and more than 300 injuries, including four Filipinos.

In response to the rising insecurity, Migrante International, an overseas Filipino workers advocacy group, urged the Philippine government to clarify its evacuation plans for nationals in the affected areas. Garry Martinez, chairperson emeritus of Migrante International, called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to publicly disclose an evacuation blueprint, stressing that a "wait-and-see" approach is inadequate amid the ongoing hostilities.

Martinez also reported difficulties in reaching assistance hotlines operated by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), raising concerns about the level of support available to Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia. The DMW and OWWA have not yet issued official statements regarding the escalation of the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement.

The situation remains fluid as airlines and government agencies continue to respond to the security challenges posed by the intensifying conflict in the Middle East.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.