Philippine Airlines stops flights from Abu Dhabi to Manila

Suspension to take effect indefinitely starting on July 8

DUBAI // The national carrier of the Philippines is suspending flights between Abu Dhabi and Manila indefinitely.

Philippine Airlines yesterday said it would do so from July 8.

The carrier operates flights from Abu Dhabi on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

“The temporary cancellation of the service is being carried out as the airline undertakes route assessment initiatives,” it said, adding that it was seeking the “kind understanding of affected passengers as the airline imple- ments these operational adjustments”.

The move, which will affect hundreds of passengers, came amid offers of cheaper fares from rivals.

Emirates and Etihad have return flights to Manila that depart on July 8 and return on July 22. The fares cost about Dh2,100.

The cost is about Dh2,900 for Qatar Airways, about Dh1,800 for Cebu Pacific, a budget Philippines carrier, and about Dh3,600 for Philippines Airlines.

Customers of Philippine Airlines with return fares from Manila to Abu Dhabi from July 8 onwards may get a refund or a flight to Dubai instead. Those who choose to fly to Dubai will be driven to and from Abu Dhabi by buses arranged by the airline.

Philippine Airlines has asked the affected customers to make a decision within 30 days before their flight, and it will waive their rebooking or refunding charges.

For more information, contact the airline’s hotline at (02) 8558888, visit its website or the nearest Philippine Airlines ticketing office or partner travel agent.

Suspension of service comes amid offers of cheaper fares from rivals