Civil Aeronautics Board Predicts Over 100 Flight Cancellations for 49th ASEAN Summit
Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla stated in a radio interview that roughly 106 flights could face cancellation as authorities manage security measures and delegate arrivals for the high-level diplomatic meetings.
Cebu Pacific Adjusts Schedules While AirAsia Operates Normally
Airlines have taken divergent approaches to managing their rosters ahead of the summit traffic restrictions. Cebu Pacific adjusted its flight schedules in advance to minimize operational disruptions, according to company spokesperson Carmina Romero. Romero confirmed that domestic and international routes were affected, though she did not disclose the total count of canceled flights. It’s been seven days since we notified our passengers and they have all been re-accommodated,
Romero told the Philippine News Agency. She added that coordination with airport authorities is complete and no further cancellations will occur.
In contrast, AirAsia Philippines reported no flight cancellations in line with the ASEAN Summit hosting. Sa AirAsia wala naman advise sa amin na may cancellation,
Assistant Manager for External Communications Karen Villanda told the Philippine News Agency via a Viber message, indicating normal operations for the carrier.
Philippine Airlines Cancels and Reschedules Flights Through November 18
Philippine Airlines (PAL) joined carriers altering operations, announcing the cancellation or rescheduling of specific domestic and international flights to and from Manila between November 14 and 18, 2026. PAL posted an advisory on its website stating that impacted travelers would receive notifications via email and text message. Affected routes include services between Manila and regional hubs such as Bangkok, Brunei, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Sapporo.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits run officially from November 10 to 12, with some related events extending until November 15, while the main leaders’ summit takes place from November 16 to 18. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days across the National Capital Region to ease traffic congestion around venues like the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions Around Summit Venues
Motorists and commuters face extensive road closures and security restrictions across Metro Manila as authorities prepare for the arrival of international delegations. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced that access restrictions around the Philippine International Convention Center will be implemented in two phases, starting with security checkpoints and screening within designated exclusion zones from October 24 to November 8, followed by stricter measures from November 9 to 18 limiting entry strictly to authorized personnel and vehicles bearing valid access credentials. Designated bus lanes will also temporarily function as exclusive ASEAN lanes for official convoys. Temporary road closures in Pasay City affect Pedro Bukaneg Street, Vicente Sotto Street, Buendia Avenue, J.W. Diokno Boulevard, Atang Dela Rama Street, Magdalena Jalandoni Street, and surrounding areas near the convention center.
Passenger Compensation Options and Non-Liability Rules
Travelers facing disruptions are entitled to specific remedies under regulatory guidelines, though financial relief remains limited. CAB Executive Director Arcilla stated that affected passengers must receive options for a full refund, rebooking, or conversion to a travel fund without additional penalties. However, Arcilla clarified that airlines will not bear liability for external expenses such as non-refundable hotel accommodations or tour packages, because the disruptions are not directly attributable to the carriers.
This is what happened in this event. We will not categorize the cancellation as attributable to the airline, so the liability will not be passed on to the airline,
Arcilla explained during his radio interview. He acknowledged that the situation creates financial difficulties for travelers holding non-refundable bookings, noting that the outcome is difficult for affected individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASEAN Summit Travel Changes
What specific dates are affected by flight disruptions in Manila?
Flight adjustments and cancellations are concentrated between November 14 and 18, 2026, coinciding with the arrival of international delegates for the 49th ASEAN Summit.
What recourse do passengers have if their flight is canceled?
Airlines must provide affected passengers with a full refund, a free rebooking, or conversion of the ticket value into a travel fund without imposing extra penalties.
Are airlines required to reimburse travelers for pre-booked hotel rooms?
No. The Civil Aeronautics Board stated that airlines are not liable for secondary expenses like hotel accommodations or tour packages because the operational adjustments are not directly attributable to the carriers.
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