CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippine Airlines (PAL) has extended until March 28 the cancellation of its flights between Manila and Hong Kong and Macau.

The cancellation is in view of the travel restrictions imposed by the Philippine government to prevent the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus in the country.

The cancelled flights include those between Manila and the following points in greater China: Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xiamen, Quanzhou (Jinjiang) And Macau.

"We are compelled to cancel these flights until March 28 in view of the continuing travel restrictions imposed by the Philippine Government as a public health and safety measure, related to the novel coronavirus situation," the airline stated.

The restrictions include the ban of any persons, except Filipino citizens and holders of Permanent Resident Visa issued by the Philippine Government who come directly from mainland China and its Special administrative regions, or who had been to China within 14 days prior to their arrival in the Philippines.

"Our Filipino flight and cabin crew members are likewise included in this ban, and thus, we are unable to operate these flights," PAL added.

As there is no definite end date to the travel ban and no certainty of flight resumption after March 28, PAL stated that it is unable to carry out automatic re-accommodations for passengers of cancelled flights.

Once the travel ban is lifted and flights are reinstated, passengers may rebook, reroute, or refund tickets within validity period, with fees waived.

Passengers who purchased tickets from travel agencies may contact their respective agents for refunding or rebooking.

For tickets purchased through the PAL website, PAL contact center and PAL ticket offices: you may contact our hotline (+632) 8855-8888 for refund and rebooking.