Air travel across the Middle East continues to face disruptions as several countries maintain partial or full airspace restrictions, directly impacting thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and travelers.
As of March 23, 2026, aviation authorities have released updated information on the operational status of airspace and airline services across key countries in the region.
Partial Reopening in Key Hubs
The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has partially reopened its airspace. Emirates has resumed operations on a reduced schedule, including at least three weekly flights from Dubai to Manila. This provides limited but crucial connectivity for Filipinos traveling between the Gulf and the Philippines.
Qatar and Jordan have also partially reopened their airspace, allowing some flights to operate under restricted conditions.
Countries with Fully Open Airspace
Several countries have resumed normal airspace operations, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, and Türkiye. These nations are currently allowing flights to operate without major restrictions, offering alternative travel routes for affected passengers.
Kuwait and Bahrain Remain Closed
Kuwait and Bahrain continue to keep their airspace closed, causing significant disruptions for travelers based in these countries.
However, temporary solutions are being arranged:
- Kuwait Airways is set to resume limited flights via Dammam, Saudi Arabia starting March 26.
- Gulf Air will operate limited flights via Dammam until March 28.
These rerouted flights aim to ease the backlog of passengers stranded due to the closures.
Major Flight Cancellations Continue
Philippine carriers have also implemented extended cancellations:
- Philippine Airlines (PAL) has cancelled all flights to and from the Middle East until April 30, 2026.
- Cebu Pacific has suspended its Middle East operations until March 28, 2026.
Source : Department of Foreign Affairs Philippines
These cancellations are expected to impact a large number of OFWs, many of whom rely on these routes for work, family visits, and urgent travel.
Advisory for Travelers
Passengers are strongly advised to:
- Monitor announcements from airlines and government authorities
- Coordinate directly with their airlines for rebooking or rerouting options
- Allow extra time for travel adjustments due to limited flight availability
With conditions still evolving, travelers are encouraged to stay updated as further changes may occur in the coming days.
