PAL suspends Riyadh flights until Nov. 29 after airport attacks

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia until November 29 due to the evolving security situation at the city’s King Khalid International Airport.

In a travel advisory posted on Facebook on Monday, October 12, PAL said flights PR654 and PR655 would remain suspended until the end of November.

The airline said it continues to monitor developments and assess conditions affecting the safe operation of its flights.

“Further updates will be provided as necessary,” PAL said.

The suspension follows attacks at King Khalid International Airport that left four Filipinos injured, three of whom remain in intensive care units (ICUs), according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The fourth Filipino was expected to be discharged from the hospital. All four are recovering at different hospitals in Riyadh.

The DMW, along with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Riyadh, is monitoring the condition of the injured Filipinos and providing assistance.

The agency also advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia to avoid areas that could be targeted in attacks, including military installations and oil refineries. Those at airports were urged to stay away from crowded areas.

Filipinos scheduled to return to the Philippines were advised to contact their airlines before heading to the airport or check the email addresses they used to book their flights for updates.

Saudi Arabia is a major destination for Filipino migrant workers. It accounted for 24.1% of Filipinos deployed overseas from April to September 2025, the largest share among destination countries, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.