34 OFWs from Riyadh to arrive in Manila amid flight disruptions

OWWA officials with the 34 OFWs expected to return to the Philippines.

OWWA / Released

MANILA, Philippines — The first batch of 34 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is set to arrive in the Philippines on Monday, October 19, as the government repatriates workers affected by regional tensions and flight disruptions.

In a statement Sunday, October 18, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said the 34 Filipinos are part of a broader repatriation operation covering 349 OFWs.

Of the total, 249 already have confirmed flight bookings, while arrangements are still being finalized for the remaining 100 workers.

The repatriation follows a series of drone and missile attacks targeting facilities and airports across Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The attacks have led to flight cancellations and delays.

Because of the disruptions, OWWA Riyadh, the Migrant Workers Office and the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia arranged alternative routes through Al Qassim and Dammam for affected workers.

The first group of 34 traveled by land from Riyadh to Al Qassim Airport before boarding Qatar Airways flight QR 1197 to Doha. They will then take flight QR 934 to Manila and are expected to arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Monday morning.

Upon their arrival, OWWA's Repatriation and Assistance Division will provide airport assistance, temporary shelter when needed and domestic transportation for workers returning to their respective provinces.