DUE to precautionary airspace restrictions in certain parts of the Middle East, several flights at Mactan–Cebu International Airport (MCIA) have been canceled, impacting both arrivals and departures.
The Mactan Cebu International Airport-Authority (MCIAA), in a message to the media on Sunday, March 1, 2026, said the Qatar Airways flight bound for Doha, Qatar, and the Emirates flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been canceled.
MCIAA said both airlines notified passengers of the disruptions.
Authorities added that the cancellations are expected to impact flight arrivals and departures at MCIA, as well as overall passenger traffic.
The precautionary airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East stemmed from escalating military tensions and recent strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have led several countries, including Iran, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and others, to close or restrict their airspace to civilian flights for safety reasons.
In a separate advisory on Saturday, February 28, MCIA urged travelers to check their flight status, reconfirm bookings, and update contact details for real-time information before heading to the airport as some flights may experience delays, rerouting, or cancellations.
MCIA said Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended check-in for affected flights until further notice, while other carriers may also experience operational changes.
“MCIA continues to coordinate closely with affected airlines and aviation authorities to ensure safe and orderly operations. Further updates will be issued as necessary,” said MCIA. (DPC)