Philippine Airlines announced the temporary suspension of its flights between Manila and Riyadh until March 31, 2026, citing a volatile security situation and operational uncertainties in Middle Eastern airspace.
The flag carrier said the decision to suspend PR 654 and PR 655 services is a precautionary measure driven by the evolving environment in parts of the region and the impact on airport operations.
“The safety of our passengers, crew, and aircraft remains Philippine Airlines’ highest priority,” the company said in a statement.
“Given the current environment, PAL has determined that temporarily suspending these services is the most prudent course of action while conditions remain fluid,” it said.
The airline said it is coordinating with aviation authorities to monitor the situation and determine when it is safe to resume the route. The suspension impacts many overseas Filipino workers who rely on the direct link for employment and family travel.
Affected passengers have been offered options to rebook for free once flights resume, convert their tickets into travel credits or receive full refunds. PAL said its customer service teams are managing these requests through the company website and ticket offices.
Cargo operations on the Riyadh route are also affected. PAL said it is working with logistics partners to find alternative routes for essential goods.
The carrier said the suspension period reflects its current operational planning and will be reviewed as developments occur.
“Philippine Airlines appreciates the patience and understanding of our passengers as we prioritize safety,” the airline said.
“PAL remains committed to restoring our Middle East services as soon as conditions allow, while continuing to connect our passengers to the world with safe, reliable and caring service,” it said.
