CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Rising tensions in the Middle East have disrupted international air travel, resulting in flight cancellations and schedule changes that are now affecting passengers arriving at and departing from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), authorities confirmed Sunday.
According to MCIAA spokesperson Maryann Dimabayao, flights from Cebu to Doha via Qatar Airways and to Dubai via Emirates have been cancelled due to ongoing airspace closures and regional security concerns.
“Ang atong Qatar to Doha flight and Emirates flight to Dubai right now are cancelled. Both airlines have already sent advisories to their passengers about the current situation. So mo affect gyud ni sa atong flight arrivals/departures and also sa atong passenger traffic,” said Dimabayao.
Airport officials said affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may seek assistance at the OFW Facilitation Center located at Terminal 2 Arrivals, or at the OWWA and DMW kiosks at Terminal 2 Departures of MCIA.
MCIA advised passengers with flights to or from Middle East to check their flight status before proceeding to the airport.
Due to precautionary airspace restrictions in parts of the region, some flights may be delayed, rerouted, or cancelled at short notice, depending on airline operations. In line with this, Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended check-in for affected flights until further notice.
Travelers are encouraged to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates, reconfirm bookings prior to travel, and ensure their contact details are updated to receive notifications. MCIA said it continues to coordinate closely with affected airlines and aviation authorities to maintain safe and orderly operations.
Luchel S. Taniza, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer of the Welfare Reintegration Services Division (WRSD) of the Department of Migrant Workers-7, said that so far they have not received any information whether there are Cebuanos affected by the ongoing tension in the Middle East due to the ongoing war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran.
Taniza said they are meeting today to discuss what measures to take to help Filipino workers amid the escalating tension.
The cancellations form part of a broader disruption caused by temporary airspace closures in parts of the Middle East. Countries including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have restricted or closed their skies to commercial flights as a precautionary measure amid escalating regional security developments.
Emirates confirmed the temporary suspension of operations to and from Dubai, advising travelers to rebook or request refunds and urging passengers to check flight status before going to airports.
Similarly, Qatar Airways acknowledged the temporary suspension of flight operations to and from Doha, citing the closure of Qatari airspace and prioritizing passenger and crew safety.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that since February 28, 23 international flights have been cancelled by various carriers due to safety concerns and airspace restrictions, including those by Qatar Airways and Emirates. Other airlines have also adjusted schedules amid disruptions to the global flight network.
Cancelled flights include two from Cebu Pacific, eight from Philippine Airlines, two from Qatar Airways, one from Gulf Air, four from Etihad Airways, and six from Emirates. There were diverted flights of Philippine Airlines, 2 and Qatar Airways, 1.
CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario assured the public that the Authority is taking proactive measures to safeguard passengers and crew, following the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
“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,” Del Rosario said in a statement posted on Facebook.
The impact is being felt worldwide, as airlines reroute flights or suspend operations to avoid conflict-related airspace, causing delays and cancellations beyond the Middle East region.
Passengers booked on affected flights are advised by CAAP to contact their airlines or travel agents directly for updates on rebooking, refunds, or alternative routes. Most carriers are offering flexible arrangements, including ticket refunds and rescheduled flights, to accommodate those affected.
| Written by Mitchelle Palaubsanon
