More than 300 Manila domestic flights face changes for ASEAN summit
Disruptions begin on 14 November, with Philippine transport officials promising rebooking, refunds or travel funds for affected passengers.
More than 300 domestic flights serving Metro Manila will be cancelled or rescheduled to accommodate delegations attending the 49th ASEAN Summit, the Philippine Department of Transportation said. Disruptions will start on 14 November 2026, when the first delegations are expected to arrive.
The summit runs from 16 to 18 November, principally at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Transport Secretary Vince Dizon said flight changes were needed for foreign leaders’ arrivals and departures, with most expected to use Ninoy Aquino International Airport. According to the Manila Times, disruptions will continue until all delegations have left the Philippines.
Dizon said affected passengers would receive one of three options: free rebooking without penalties, a full refund or travel funds for future journeys. He said some flights would simply move to different times rather than be cancelled.
For international services, Dizon said occasional delays were possible as delegation aircraft received priority, but there would be no cancellations. However, an Inquirer list included affected Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific services on routes such as Manila–Hong Kong and Manila–Riyadh. The US Embassy also reported cancellations or schedule changes affecting both airlines’ domestic and international Manila services from 14 to 18 November.
Dizon urged international passengers to reach the airport at least three hours before departure and domestic travellers to allow extra time. Affected-flight lists are available through the transport department and aviation authorities. The department has arranged assistance desks at Ninoy Aquino, Clark and Mactan-Cebu international airports.
The government has designated 16–18 November as special non-working days in Metro Manila. The US Embassy advised its citizens to avoid the PICC/CCP area and Roxas Boulevard from 9 to 20 November and expect sudden road closures and motorcades across the capital.
