MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Philippine Airlines (PAL) has extended the suspension of its flights between Manila and Riyadh until October 11, 2026, as deadly attacks on Saudi Arabian airports and escalating tensions in the Middle East force international airlines to reassess passenger safety.
The Philippine flag carrier confirmed Friday, October 9, that it would suspend services for another 72 hours while evaluating security conditions at Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport.
The extension affects flight PR654 from Manila to Riyadh and PR655 from Riyadh to Manila.
PAL initially announced cancellations on October 8 as the security situation deteriorated. Its latest advisory extends the interruption through October 11, with no guaranteed restart date.
The decision comes as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claims responsibility for attacks targeting major Saudi airports, triggering extensive disruptions across international aviation networks.
But while PAL’s published suspension currently runs only until October 11, the bigger question is whether worsening regional security could force another extension — disrupting travel plans for Filipinos working, living and traveling in Saudi Arabia.
The airline said flights would resume only after a comprehensive assessment determines that operations can be conducted safely.
Which Philippine Airlines flights are canceled?
PAL RIYADH TRAVEL ADVISORY
October 9–11, 2026
72-hour suspension extension
Suspended
PR654
Manila Riyadh
Affected October 9–11
PR655
Riyadh Manila
Affected October 9–11
Resumption: Subject to PAL’s comprehensive safety assessment. The airline has not confirmed that normal service will resume on October 12.
The airline said passengers affected by the cancellations would be informed directly and advised of available travel arrangements.
PAL acknowledged that the extended disruption creates uncertainty for travelers, particularly those who must coordinate work schedules, onward connections and family commitments.
The company emphasized that protecting passengers and crew remains its highest priority.
However, PAL has not published a definite date for restoring flights. The October 11 deadline describes the currently announced suspension period, not a confirmed reopening of the route.
Deadly attacks on Saudi airports trigger international alarm
The Philippine carrier’s decision comes amid renewed attacks targeting Saudi aviation infrastructure.
On October 9, Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed three Saudi nationals had been killed in attacks involving Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 8.
Other people were injured, according to the authority.
The Houthi movement in Yemen claimed responsibility for missile attacks against Saudi aviation facilities, but Saudi officials did not immediately confirm all details of the group’s claims.
The distinction is important: Saudi authorities confirmed deadly airport attacks, while specific Houthi descriptions of weapons used and targets struck remain subject to independent verification.
According to Associated Press reporting, explosions and airport security concerns prompted widespread cancellations and diversions.
The escalating situation has raised concerns that civilian aviation facilities, ordinarily vital transport hubs for millions of passengers, could remain vulnerable to further attacks.
For international carriers, even the possibility of additional missile or drone activity can force precautionary decisions about routes, airport access and aircraft safety.
More than 275 flights canceled as international airlines pull back
PAL is not alone in suspending services to the Saudi capital.
Major carriers affected by Riyadh security crisis
| Airline | Reported service response |
|---|---|
| Philippine Airlines | PR654 and PR655 suspended through October 11 |
| Lufthansa Group | Riyadh suspensions through October 16 |
| Air India | Riyadh cancellations through October 10 |
| Akasa Air | Riyadh cancellations through October 10 |
| IndiGo | Riyadh services suspended through October 9 |
Schedules reported October 8–9 and subject to further changes.
The Associated Press reported that more than 275 flights were canceled during the disruption, representing approximately 40% of scheduled arrivals and 30% of scheduled departures in the period examined.
Other international airlines were forced to divert aircraft or suspend operations amid uncertainty over the security situation.
The disruptions demonstrate how quickly an attack on a major aviation hub can affect travel networks across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia face growing travel uncertainty
Saudi Arabia remains an important destination for overseas Filipino workers, including healthcare professionals, engineers, construction employees, hospitality workers and domestic workers.
Disruptions to flights serving Riyadh can therefore have consequences beyond ordinary leisure travel.
Filipinos scheduled to return home may have to change travel plans, while workers preparing to report for employment in Saudi Arabia could face delays.
Families with connecting flights, medical appointments or urgent personal commitments may also need alternative arrangements.
However, PAL has not publicly released a verified number of affected passengers, and there is no basis for claiming that all Philippine flights to Saudi Arabia have been suspended.
The announced restrictions specifically concern PAL’s Riyadh services.
In an October 8 report, Khaleej Times quoted PAL regional executive Josh Vasquez confirming that the carrier’s Dubai-Manila-Dubai operations remained scheduled as normal at that time.
What affected PAL passengers should do
Passengers booked on PR654 and PR655 during the suspension period should check directly with Philippine Airlines before traveling to the airport.
The airline has said it will inform affected passengers about cancellations and available travel options. However, its October 9 advisory does not specify a universal refund or rebooking arrangement applicable to every ticket.
Passenger travel checklist
- Check the official PAL Riyadh travel advisory for updates.
- Confirm the current flight status and ticket options directly with PAL or the travel agency that issued the ticket.
- Ask about rebooking, refunds or travel credits available under the applicable ticket conditions.
- Review onward connections, accommodation, employment reporting dates and visa validity if travel arrangements change.
- Do not assume flights will restart automatically on October 12 without confirmation from the airline.
Official airline websiteVisit PAL
A renewed Middle East conflict threatens aviation recovery
The latest cancellations represent another setback for airlines that had begun restoring services following earlier Middle East disruptions.
Philippine Airlines previously announced the resumption of Manila-Riyadh services effective April 10, 2026, after an earlier interruption linked to regional tensions.
At the time, the carrier said it would temporarily use alternative routings, with selected flights including a technical refueling stop in Bangkok to maintain safety
The October crisis demonstrates that the recovery of Middle East aviation remains vulnerable to new security incidents.
International airlines must balance commercial demand with the possibility of rapidly changing flight restrictions, airport closures and threats to civilian aircraft.
Beyond passenger inconvenience, disruptions can increase operating costs through longer routings, fuel consumption, schedule changes and the need to reposition aircraft and crews.
Whether those costs lead to higher ticket prices or wider operational changes remains uncertain.
Why the Houthi conflict matters to global travel and oil markets
The latest aviation crisis is linked to the renewed confrontation between Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi infrastructure following the collapse of a truce earlier in 2026, according to international reporting.
The escalation has raised concerns beyond air travel because Saudi Arabia is also one of the world’s most important energy exporters.
Reuters and the Financial Times reported that the latest attacks have occurred ahead of major international events in Riyadh, including the World Petroleum Congress and Future Investment Initiative.
Continuing security threats could complicate international travel arrangements for business delegations and visitors attending these events.
For the Philippines, instability in the Middle East has particular significance because of its overseas workforce and exposure to changes in international energy prices.
The bigger picture: October 11 may not mark the end of the disruption
PAL’s decision reflects a precautionary approach to a fast-moving regional security crisis.
The carrier has identified the flights affected, extended the suspension and pledged to assist passengers while closely monitoring airport conditions.
But the airline has not committed to a specific date for restoring services.
With other international airlines also grounding Riyadh flights, the timeline will depend heavily on developments in Saudi airspace, airport security and the wider regional conflict.
For overseas Filipinos and their families, the uncertainty creates understandable concern about travel plans and employment obligations.
Philippine Airlines has suspended Riyadh flights through October 11 — but the bigger test is whether Saudi Arabia’s airports can become sufficiently secure for airlines to restore dependable operations.
Until then, travelers should rely on official airline advisories rather than assuming that the end of the announced suspension guarantees the return of normal service.
