Philippine Airlines Reinstates Manila-Riyadh Flights
Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, has recommenced its Manila-Riyadh flights as of April 10, 2026. This decision comes in the wake of recent positive developments in the Middle East region. The airline had previously suspended the route for several weeks due to the escalated tensions following US-Israel attacks on Iran in late February.
In a bid to ensure passenger safety during this transitional period, PAL is implementing temporary route adjustments. Flights will operate via an alternate route with a technical refueling stop in Bangkok, Thailand. Passengers will remain on board during the brief stopover while the aircraft refuels before continuing to Riyadh. PAL emphasizes that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain their foremost priority.
The resumption of this route is particularly significant as PAL becomes the first Philippine carrier to reinstate direct flights to the Middle East. This region is home to the vast majority of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, at least one in five OFWs are deployed to Saudi Arabia. The timing coincides with a conditional two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, allowing airlines to cautiously resume operations in the region.
Source: https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/04/10/2519820/pal-resumes-flights-riyadh