BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific (CEB) has prolonged the suspension of its Manila-Dubai flights until the top of the month, while Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume Manila-Riyadh flights starting April 10, as airlines adjust schedules following easing conditions after a two-week ceasefire within the Middle East conflict involving america, Israel, and Iran.
“CEB continues to evaluate its flight operations to and from the Middle East amid the continued security situation within the region. As this stays a developing situation, further schedule adjustments may happen,” CEB said in an advisory on Wednesday.
CEB said it had initially planned to cancel its Dubai flights only until April 20 but prolonged the suspension to prioritize the security of its crew and passengers.
The airline said affected passengers may avail of flexible options, including free rebooking and conversion to travel funds.
Individually, PAL said it should resume Manila-Riyadh flights starting April 10.
“As Riyadh operations resume, PAL will temporarily operate via an alternate flight route to make sure the best safety standards are maintained during this era,” PAL said in a separate advisory on Wednesday.
PAL said select Manila-Riyadh flights will include a temporary technical stop in Bangkok for refueling. Passengers will remain on board in the course of the stop.
“We proceed to closely monitor the situation and can restore normal routing and full capability as conditions allow. Updates will probably be communicated to affected passengers accordingly,” PAL said.
On Tuesday, PAL said it might extend the suspension of its Manila-Doha and Manila-Dubai flights until May 31 as a result of the conflict within the Middle East, citing risks to airspace safety and important infrastructure. — Ashley Erika O. Jose