Commercial aviation operations in the Philippine capital are preparing for significant logistical adjustments as international leaders and delegations assemble for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila, scheduled for 16 to 18 November 2026. Anticipating severe air traffic congestion, heightened security screening protocols, and increased aircraft movements, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL | PR) and budget carrier Cebu Pacific (5J) have proactively cancelled or rescheduled flights, while regulatory authorities forecast substantial network impacts across the country’s aviation system.
In an official advisory dated 26 October 2026, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) stated that the arrival of ASEAN delegates may necessitate temporary flight and airport operational adjustments along with enhanced security measures that will inevitably impact airline flight schedules and airport operations. CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla indicated in a recent radio interview that over 100 flights could potentially face cancellation across this period. Arcilla emphasized that affected travelers must be granted standard passenger protection options, including ticket refunds, rebooking, or conversion of ticket values into travel funds. He added, however, that airlines will not bear financial liability for ancillary passenger expenses such as hotel accommodation, as the disruptions stem from government-mandated summit operations rather than carrier-induced faults.
Philippine Airlines has alerted the traveling public that several domestic and international services operating to and from Manila between 14 and 18 November 2026, have been officially cancelled or rescheduled. The national carrier noted that affected travelers will receive direct notices through email and SMS messaging, while real-time flight updates can be verified through its digital flight status page. Philippine Airlines passengers whose itineraries are disrupted can manage their bookings online to claim free rebooking, secure a full refund, or convert the fare into a travel fund. The carrier strongly urged passengers traveling during this window to complete online check-in procedures and allocate additional ground travel time toward the terminal due to expected road closures and intensified perimeter security screenings. The airline confirmed that it is actively collaborating with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), terminal operators, and pertinent state agencies to mitigate schedule fallout.
Simultaneously, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific confirmed that it carried out schedule recalibrations well in advance to cushion travelers against sudden operational breakdowns during the summit.
In contrast to the operational scale-backs announced by its competitors, fellow budget carrier AirAsia Philippines (Z2) reported that its current timetables remain unaltered.
Passengers departing or arriving in Manila (MNL) during the summit dates are urged to remain vigilant, monitor their digital booking portals regularly, and maintain direct contact with their respective airline communication platforms as the regional diplomatic assembly gets underway.