Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) diverted and canceled several Middle East flights after operational restrictions tied to an evolving security situation forced the airline to halt services, disrupting passengers and prompting rebooking, rerouting, or refunds.
In an advisory issued Saturday evening, PAL said flight PR654 (Manila–Riyadh) and PR658 (Manila–Dubai), both of which had departed Manila on 28 February, were ordered to return to Manila and were expected to arrive at 10:40 p.m. and 9:52 p.m., respectively.
The airline also canceled flights PR684 (Manila–Doha), PR655 (Riyadh–Manila), and PR659 (Dubai–Manila) scheduled for 28 February, as well as PR685 (Doha–Manila) scheduled for 1 March, due to “restrictions in flight operations in the concerned Middle East stations.”
PAL said it is assisting affected passengers with rebooking, rerouting, or refunds and advised travelers to check flight status before proceeding to the airport.
The airline said it is coordinating with aviation authorities, airport operators, and government agencies as it monitors the situation.
PAL added that “all operational decisions are guided by authoritative risk assessments and civil aviation safety protocols.”