Over 110 PH Flights Canceled or Diverted as Middle East War Grounds Travel to the Gulf

Filipino travelers and overseas workers headed to the Middle East are facing major disruptions as more than 110 flights to and from the Philippines have been canceled or diverted due to the escalating armed conflict in the region.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that as of 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, a total of 114 flights were affected — 113 canceled outright and one diverted. Flights bound for Riyadh, Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have been among the hardest hit, with several flights forced to turn back to Manila mid-route.

The flight cancellations continued into Friday, March 6, with multiple airlines still unable to operate their Middle East routes. The closures of key hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi airports have stranded tens of thousands of passengers globally, with OFWs and their families among the most affected.

The crisis was triggered by US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend, a development celebrated by US President Donald Trump. Combat operations in Iran are reportedly continuing, with Trump confirming that three US service members were killed and warning of more casualties ahead.

For Filipinos with loved ones working in the Gulf, the situation is deeply distressing. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been coordinating repatriation efforts, but with airspace closures still in effect, options remain limited. Airlines are advising passengers to monitor updates and avoid booking non-essential travel to the region for now.

Source: GMA News