US, Israel strike on Iran disrupts aviation landscape

• The US and Iran strike on Iran have led to the immediate closure of several national airspaces

• It has forced Philippine carriers and international airlines to halt or reroute services to ensure passenger safety

The aviation landscape in the Middle East has entered a state of significant disruption following the joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier today (Feb 28).

The strikes, part of the US-led “Operation Epic Fury,” have led to the immediate closure of several national airspaces, forcing Philippine carriers and international airlines to halt or reroute services to ensure passenger safety.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) as of Saturday evening (February 28) while other regional carriers are closely monitoring the situation. PAL implemented a series of diversions and cancellations due to “operational restrictions” in the Middle East.

Flights disrupted:

• Diversions (Returned to Manila):
  • PR654 (Manila – Riyadh): Departed Saturday; ordered to return to Manila (arrived 10:40 PM)
  • PR658 (Manila – Dubai): Departed Saturday; ordered to return to Manila (arrived 9:52 PM)
• Cancellations (Feb 28 – March 1):
  • PR684 / PR685: Manila – Doha – Manila
  • PR655: Riyadh – Manila
  • PR659: Dubai – Manila

PAL is offering affected passengers the choice to rebook (within 60 days), convert tickets to travel credits (valid for one year), or receive a full refund without penalties.

While Cebu Pacific has historically maintained its Dubai route by utilizing flight paths away from previous conflict zones (such as those in June 2025), travelers are advised to check for real-time updates. The airline typically monitors the situation hourly when regional airspace closures occur.

The New NAIA Infra Corp. advised all passengers bound for the Middle East to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport. Avoid travel to the terminal if flight is listed as canceled

Global response

The strikes triggered a “blank zone” on global flight maps over Iran and Iraq. The following major international airlines have announced temporary suspensions or significant service changes to the Middle East as of tonight:

Regional Airspace Closures

As of Saturday night, the following countries have either fully or partially closed their airspace to civilian traffic:

• Iran & Israel: Full closure of national airspace.
• Iraq, Syria, & Jordan: Extensive restrictions; no civilian aircraft currently transiting.