PAL and Cebu Pacific Flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha Canceled or Turned Back Mid-Air Amid Iran Crisis
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have canceled or diverted multiple flights to and from the Middle East after the US-Israel strikes on Iran shut down airspace across the region. Two PAL planes that had already departed Manila — PR654 bound for Riyadh and PR658 bound for Dubai — were ordered to turn around mid-flight and return home.
PAL also canceled PR684 Manila-Doha, PR655 Riyadh-Manila, and PR659 Dubai-Manila on February 28, plus PR685 Doha-Manila on March 1. The airline cited 'operational restrictions at select Middle East stations' and said it was actively coordinating with aviation authorities and airport operators.
Cebu Pacific's Flight 5J 14 to Dubai was also turned back mid-flight and arrived in Manila at around 10:45 PM. Its return service 5J 15 was canceled, along with the March 1 Manila-Dubai-Manila flights. Affected passengers can rebook, convert tickets to travel credits, or get a full refund.
The disruption is part of a massive global aviation shutdown triggered by 'Operation Epic Fury.' Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan have either fully or partially closed their airspace to civilian traffic. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and all major US carriers have also suspended Middle East services.
The New NAIA Infra Corp. urged travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. 'Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline directly for the latest updates,' NNIC said. The cancelations affect thousands of OFWs and travelers who rely on these Gulf routes — among the busiest in PAL and Cebu Pacific's international network.
Source: The Manila Times / GMA News / PortCalls Asia
