Flights to Middle East canceled

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that 23 international flights were canceled and three others diverted amid heightened security concerns in parts of the Middle East.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and are in constant coordination with airlines, airport authorities, and international aviation partners. The safety and security of passengers and flight operations remain our highest priority,” CAAP Director General Raul L. Del Rosario said in a statement on Sunday.

CAAP said it is taking a proactive measure to ensure the safety of all passengers amid the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.

“CAAP is closely monitoring flight operations following heightened tensions in the Middle East, which have resulted in several flight disruptions affecting routes to and from the region,” it said.

According to CAAP, airlines that have announced flight cancellations include Cebu Pacific (CEB), Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Etihad Airways, and Emirates.

Tensions have escalated after Iran targeted US assets across the Middle East in retaliation for a joint US-Israel attack on Iranian territory, according to reports.

“Cebu Pacific continues to closely monitor developments related to the security situation in parts of the Middle East. The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” Cebu Pacific said in a statement on Sunday.

In an advisory on Sunday, the budget carrier said it is canceling flights to Manila-Dubai on March 2.

“CEB will continue to assess its flight operations to and from the Middle East. As this remains a developing situation, further schedule adjustments may be necessary,” it said, noting that it is also providing free rebooking and travel fund conversion for affected flights.

In a separate advisory, flag-carrier Philippine Airlines said it is also canceling its Manila-Doha and Doha-Manila flights for March 1, and its Doha-Manila flights on March 2.

“These cancellations are due to continuing operational restrictions affecting flight operations in the region,” it said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose