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Rudy Santos - The Philippine Star
March 4, 2026 | 12:00am
In this photo from June 2025, hundreds of overseas Filipino workers head for the counters of Emirates Air at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 after Philippine Airlines canceled flights to the Middle East due to conflict between Israel and Iran.
Rudy Santos
MANILA, Philippines — Seventy-two international flights to and from Riyadh, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait have been canceled and three more diverted as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Philippine Airlines canceled 16 flights between Manila and Riyadh, Doha and Dubai while two flights were diverted. Cebu Pacific also canceled 10 flights to and from Riyadh, Doha and Dubai.
Meanwhile, Emirates Air canceled 19 flights to and from Dubai, Etihad Airways (10 flights to and from Abu Dhabi), Kuwait Airways (two flights to and from Kuwait), Gulf Air (five flights to and from Bahrain), Qatar Airways (10 flights to and from Doha and one diverted).
Marina advisory
The Maritime Industry Authority, for its part, advised all Philippine-registered ships engaged in international voyages to take precautionary measures, including ensuring care and protection for Filipino seafarers.
“Owners and operators are reminded of their obligations under the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 to ensure the safety and well-being of seafarers, including timely repatriation when warranted,” Marina administrator Sonia Malaluan said in an advisory.
If seafarers are in distress or requiring assistance ashore in affected countries, “the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate, as well as the Department of Migrant Workers, must be immediately contacted,” Malaluan added.
Shipping lines are also directed to monitor maritime advisories and warnings issued by the International Maritime Organization, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and relevant flag state authorities.
Marina also said they should implement heightened security protocols in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, conduct security briefings, make sure that the officers and crew are well-trained in the general emergency and ship security alarm procedures, and review and activate the Ship Security Plan. — Evelyn Macairan
