Philippine Airlines Suspends Several Middle East Flights
Philippine Airlines has cancelled several Middle East flights scheduled for early March following recent security developments in the region. The airline confirmed that selected services linking Manila with Doha, Dubai and Riyadh will not operate on 2 March 2026, while an additional Doha–Manila flight has been cancelled for 3 March. The move was taken as a precaution as operating conditions across parts of the region remain uncertain.
The affected flights include return services between Manila and key Gulf hubs that normally serve both transit and point-to-point travel. Philippine Airlines stated that passengers booked on cancelled departures are eligible for either rebooking or a full refund under existing policies. Customers have been advised to review flight updates through official airline channels before leaving for the airport.
Cancelled Philippine Airlines Middle East Flights
- 2 March 2026: PR684 Manila–Doha
- 2 March 2026: PR685 Doha–Manila
- 2 March 2026: PR658 / PR659 Manila–Dubai–Manila
- 2 March 2026: PR654 / PR655 Manila–Riyadh–Manila
- 3 March 2026: PR685 Doha–Manila
The airline said its customer teams are available to help affected customers change travel plans or arrange refunds. Updates are being sent directly to ticket holders, while travel agencies are also reaching out to clients whose flights have been cancelled or disrupted.
While some Gulf routes remain suspended, Philippine Airlines continues running services across Asia-Pacific and its wider long-haul network. Journeys within Southeast Asia still include connections to Japan, Australia and major East Asian hubs operating as scheduled. In some cases, trips originally planned through Middle Eastern stopovers are now being rearranged through alternative international airports during the early March travel period.
The latest cancellations reflect how quickly long-haul schedules can shift when airlines reassess flight paths linked to sensitive regions. Anyone travelling on routes involving Middle Eastern stopovers may need to allow extra time for planning changes. Keeping track of airline notifications shortly before departure has become a practical step as carriers adjust operations in response to changing conditions.
