PAL adjusts nearly 200 flights for ASEAN Summit in Manila - PortCalls Asia

As Metro Manila prepares to host global leaders for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced the adjustment of nearly 200 domestic and international flights between November 14 and 18, 2026, to accommodate strict airport security protocols and foreign delegation arrivals.

Flight Disruptions Hit Domestic and International Routes

The adjustments, which include both cancellations and schedule changes, stem from anticipated airspace and ground restrictions during the high-profile diplomatic gatherings. According to PortCalls Asia, the alterations will impact numerous travelers moving through Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The sweeping changes touch destinations across the archipelago and abroad. In Palawan, four Philippine Airlines flights connecting Manila and Puerto Princesa City are directly affected by the schedule realignments on November 14 and 16, as reported by the Daily Tribune. Beyond Palawan, domestic services serving Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Zamboanga, Roxas, and Legazpi face similar alterations.

International routes on the airline’s advisory include regular services connecting Manila to major regional and global hubs such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Riyadh, Sydney, Melbourne, Brunei, Dubai, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Sapporo, and Xiamen.

Presidential Proclamations and Ground Security

The flight schedule changes coincide with broader disruptions across the National Capital Region. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila to ease severe traffic congestion and secure transit corridors for summit attendees, Inquirer.net reported. The main meetings will take place from November 16 to 18 primarily at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, with related events beginning as early as November 10, as detailed by Philstar.com.

On the ground, municipal authorities have mapped out aggressive traffic management plans. The Pasay Traffic and Parking Management Office instituted partial road closures beginning October 24, with total road closures scheduled from November 9 through 18 around the convention center. Arterial roads including Buendia Avenue, J.W. Diokno Boulevard, and surrounding streets face strict access limits.

Passenger Options and Tourism Readiness

Philippine Airlines stated that affected passengers would be notified through email and text messages. Travelers whose itineraries are disrupted can access free rebooking, full refunds, or convert their tickets to a travel fund via the airline’s official website.

Four Puerto Princesa flights affected by ASEAN Summit — Photo: Daily Tribune

Meanwhile, institutional preparations extend beyond logistics. The Department of Tourism (DOT) rolled out a month-long training program grounded in the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay noted that the initiative equips frontline personnel, student volunteers, and liaison officers to serve incoming delegations, ensuring international visitors experience local hospitality during the diplomatic calendar.