Cebu Pacific cancels flights to Riyadh amid intensifying Mideast conflict

MANILA – Cebu Pacific announced Tuesday the cancellation of all flights to and from Riyadh through the end of October, citing the worsening security situation in the Middle East.

In an advisory released Tuesday afternoon, Cebu Pacific said the decision affects all scheduled services between the Philippines and the Saudi Arabian capital up to October 31 as regional conflict continues to escalate.

“The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our priority. CEB has taken the decision to cancel flights to and from Riyadh,” the airline stated, adding that it continues to closely monitor developments across the region.

The Philippine budget airline said passengers holding tickets on the cancelled flights have been notified via email and offered several options through its online portal, including full refunds, converting ticket values into a virtual travel fund, or rebooking without a fare difference for travel within 30 days.

The carrier is also extending flexible policies for passengers with travel scheduled to or from Riyadh through November 30 who wish to voluntarily postpone their trips. Those travellers may rebook or convert their fares into travel credits up to two hours prior to departure.

Cebu Pacific cautioned that further schedule adjustments may be necessary as the security climate evolves, advising passengers to monitor official channels and verify their flight status online.

Philippine Airlines earlier also announced that it was suspending flights to Riyadh until late November. 

Saudi authorities have also suspended operations of the King Khalid International Airport following attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels which damaged Terminals 3 and 4 as well as radar and communications equipment. 

At least 18 have been killed in the attacks, while hundreds were reported injured, including four Filipinos.