MANILA – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has temporarily halted flights between Manila and select Middle East destinations, including Dubai and Doha, until April 30 due to security concerns in the region.

Affected routes include Manila–Dubai–Manila (PR 658/659) and Manila–Doha (PR 684/685), with an additional cancellation of the Doha–Manila flight on May 1.

“The safety of our passengers, crew, and aircraft remains our highest priority,” the airline said, explaining that the suspension is necessary while conditions remain uncertain.

PAL described the move as a precaution amid a “security situation” affecting airspace operations and flight safety. The airline said it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with aviation authorities to determine when normal operations can safely resume.

Passengers affected by the cancellations may choose to:

• Rebook flights for free once operations resume
• Convert tickets to travel credits
• Request full refunds, subject to applicable policies

The airline noted that many travelers on these routes are overseas Filipino workers who rely on flights between the Philippines and the Middle East. Cargo operations have also been disrupted, with PAL working to arrange alternative routes for essential shipments.

PAL said its customer service teams are assisting passengers through its website, contact centers, and ticket offices and will continue reviewing the situation to adjust operations as needed.