Dubai: Cebu Pacific will suspend flights between Dubai and Manila from March 18 until April 14 amid the coronavirus outbreak that has forced many cities to be on lockdown. The low-cost carrier said that in line with the directives from Philippine’s government, all other Cebu Pacific flights will be cancelled from March 19 until April 14.
Passengers on now-cancelled flights have the option to rebook their flights for free or get a full refund.
"Travelers on voluntary cancellation with flights from April 15 to April 30 can avail the free rebooking or travel fund options as well," said a statement. "These options may be processed online via the Manage Booking portal in the Cebu Pacific website."
It added that ticket offices will also be closed from March 19 for the healthy and safety of passengers and personnel.
Cebu Pacific is only the latest airline to suspend flights as the virus continues to spread globally and infect more.
Meanwhile, Eithad and Philippine Airlines have suspended all flights between the UAE and Manila in compliance with the Philippine government’s implementation of “enhanced community quarantine over the entire island of Luzon, including Metro Manila”.
An Etihad spokesperson said all flights between Abu Dhabi and Manila are suspended “from March 18 until further notice”, while PAL will suspend services between Dubai and Manila from March 20 until April 12.
Cloudy prospects
All domestic flights of Philippine Airlines have been cancelled until April 12, while all other domestic and international Cebu Pacific and CEBGO flights are cancelled from March 19 until April 14.
Emirates has not yet to made any announcement of flight suspension.
On Monday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire island of Luzon – with around 58 million people – under “enhanced community quarantine” until April 12, as the deadly disease affected at least 187 people and claimed 12 lives in the Philippines.
