It is another development in the wider geopolitical conflict that has affected the region over the past few months.
In their advisories, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific announced that they are suspending, yet again, flights connecting Manila and the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh.
This news came after it earlier cancelled flights on October 8 (Thursday) after the Yemeni rebel group, the Houthi, launched a strike onto the King Khalid International Airport.
That incident had reportedly killed three individuals and led to the cancellation of over 120 flights.
“Philippine Airlines is extending the suspension of its Riyadh flights, PR654 and PR655, for another 72 hours, covering October 9–11, 2026, as we continue to assess airport conditions and their implications for the safe operation of our flights,” PAL said in a statement.
It also noted that the affected passengers will be informed of the cancellations and available travel options for them.
As of the moment, the airline noted: “The resumption of flights will remain subject to a comprehensive safety assessment.”
“We understand that this extended disruption creates additional uncertainty for our passengers. We apologize for the inconvenience and remain focused on assisting them with their travel arrangements while closely monitoring developments,” the airline furthered.
It concluded its message by saying, “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority. We will provide updates as appropriate.”
Meanwhile, CEB said in its advisory that it is canceling flights 5J 740 and 5J 741 on the following dates.
- October 9
- 5J 740: Manila – Riyadh
- October 10
- 5J 741: Riyadh – Manila
- October 11
- 5J 740: Manila – Riyadh
- October 12
- 5J 740: Manila – Riyadh
- 5J 741: Riyadh – Manila
- October 13
- 5J 741: Riyadh – Manila
Affected passengers have been informed via email and provided with options such as free rebooking, travel fund, refund through the Manage Booking portal on the CEB website.
Addionally, “CEB is also providing flexible options, including free rebooking and Travel Fund conversion, to passengers who wish to postpone their flights to and from Riyadh scheduled until October 31.”
These passengers may avail themselves of these options through the Manage Booking portal of the CEB website up to two (2) hours before their scheduled time of departure.
“Cebu Pacific (CEB) continues to closely monitor and assess developments in the Middle East amid the ongoing security situation in the region. The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our priority,” also said the airline in its advisory.
Moreover, “As this is a developing situation, some flight changes may take place in the next few days. We encourage passengers to regularly check their flight status… and to update their contact details via the Manage Booking portal to receive timely flight notifications.”
“We will continue to assess our Middle East flight operations and provide updates as necessary,” CEB further noted.
Following the initial strike, the Saudi Arabian forces have since launched a counterstrike on Sanaa, the capital of Yemen.
