Insider Spotlight
The airline said flights PR654 and PR655 will not operate on Thursday. PR654 serves the Manila-to-Riyadh sector, while PR655 is the corresponding Riyadh-to-Manila service.
The cancellation comes after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saudi authorities said attacks on the Riyadh and Abha airports on Tuesday and Wednesday killed three people and injured 36, including one fatality and eight injuries at the Riyadh airport.
Continuing assessment
The cancellations affect PAL passengers traveling between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, an important market for overseas Filipino workers and other travelers.
The airline's decision also signals that subsequent services could depend on its continuing assessment of airport conditions.PAL said its operational teams are reviewing conditions at airports and their implications for upcoming flights.
Passengers affected by the cancellations will be notified about the disruption and the travel alternatives available to them.
“We recognize the inconvenience and concern these cancellations may cause our passengers. We are continuously monitoring the situation to guide our next steps and support their travel needs,” PAL said in a statement.
PAL said its operational teams are assessing airport conditions and their potential impact on subsequent flights, with passenger and crew safety remaining its top priority.
Travelers booked on the affected services should watch for direct communication from PAL regarding their available options. Passengers with subsequent Riyadh flights should also monitor airline advisories because schedules may be adjusted depending on the carrier's assessment. —Vanessa Hidalgo |Ed: Corrie S. Narisma