PAL suspends Manila-Riyadh flights until late November

MANILA — Philippine Airlines has suspended flights to Riyadh until late November following a series of deadly Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia’s main airport that left at least 18 people dead and four Filipinos wounded, officials said.

The Philippine flag carrier halted flights PR654 and PR655 through November 29, 2026, citing the evolving security situation at King Khalid International Airport.

Saudi civil aviation authorities extended the total suspension of airport operations to verify safety. Recent strikes damaged Terminals 3 and 4 as well as radar and communications equipment. 

Saturday’s barrage killed 13 people, marking the deadliest attack on the kingdom in more than a decade. Hundreds were injured.

Philippine Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed three injured Filipinos—two airport workers and two passengers—remain in intensive care, with one in critical condition. A fourth victim was discharged.

The flight suspension disrupts travel along a major Middle East route heavily relied upon by overseas Filipino workers.

The disruption has spread across regional aviation, with major carriers including Etihad Airways and Gulf Air cancelling flights to the Saudi capital. Riyadh Metro authorities have also suspended train service to three stations serving the airport while safety inspections continue.

— With reports from Agence France-Presse