ASEAN Summit Flight Cancellations: Over 100 Manila Flights at Risk
The Civil Aeronautics Board says about 106 flights to and from Manila may be cancelled during the ASEAN Summit. Here is what Cebu and Davao travellers should check.
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ASEAN summit flight cancellations could affect more than 100 flights to and from Manila airports from 14 to 18 November 2026, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). If you are flying between Cebu or Davao and Manila around those dates, check your booking now.
ASEAN Summit Flight Cancellations: The Facts
SunStar reported on 27 October that CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla estimated about 106 flights could be cancelled between 14 and 18 November to make room for the arrival and departure of ASEAN leaders and delegates. He spoke in a radio interview.
At the time, Cebu Pacific was the only airline that had filed a cancellation request, and the CAB told all potentially affected airlines to file theirs immediately. The report did not list which routes would be hit.
| Detail | Reported information |
|---|---|
| Possible cancellations | About 106 flights to and from Manila airports |
| Window | 14-18 November 2026 |
| Reason | Space for ASEAN leaders and delegates |
| Source | CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla, via SunStar |
| Airlines filed so far | Cebu Pacific only (as of 27 October) |
Your Options as a Passenger
According to the CAB statement reported by SunStar, affected passengers may choose a travel fund, a refund or rebooking, with no additional penalties. Airlines must give a full refund if a passenger chooses one, and must notify affected passengers as soon as possible.
There is a catch. SunStar reported that airlines would not be liable for other costs such as hotels and tour packages, because the cancellations would not be classed as the airline's fault. Mr. Arcilla acknowledged this is painful for travellers with non-refundable bookings.
Why Manila Is Affected
Unbox PH reported on 26 October that social media complaints about cancellations were mostly about Cebu Pacific, and that Philippine Airlines had not issued an advisory at the time. It cited an X post saying some parking bays at NAIA Terminal 3 were set aside for VIP delegates and state aircraft, and said security protocols were behind the cancellations. Treat the parking detail as unconfirmed.
Palace Proclamation No. 1447, as reported by Philstar L!fe, declared 16 to 18 November special non-working days in the National Capital Region only, to ease traffic and let the host country secure participants. Outside Metro Manila, those are ordinary working days.
What About Cebu and Davao Flights?
Unbox PH noted that Mactan-Cebu International Airport reportedly committed to delays but no cancellations during the ASEAN Summit held in Cebu in May. That concerned Cebu's own hosting, not the Manila event. We found no reports of cancellations at Mactan or Davao airports for November, but any Cebu-Manila or Davao-Manila flight touches NAIA and could be affected.
What to Do Now
- Open your booking and look for flights on or near 14-18 November.
- Choose a refund, travel fund or rebooking if your flight is cancelled; do not accept an option you do not want.
- Consider flexible hotel rates for Manila stays.
- Compare alternatives using our guide to cheap flights in the Philippines.
- Check what you can carry in our baggage rules guide.
More local updates are on our Cebu and Davao pages and in our news section. The lists of affected flights were not published in the reports we reviewed, so confirm directly with your airline.
Sources
- SunStar: CAB: More than 100 flights may be canceled for Asean
- Unbox PH: Upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit causes flight cancellations
- Philstar L!fe: Palace announces Nov. 16 to 18 as special non-working days for ASEAN Summit
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights may be cancelled?
The CAB estimated about 106 flights to and from Manila airports from 14 to 18 November 2026.
Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled?
Yes. Per the CAB statement reported by SunStar, you may choose a refund, a travel fund or rebooking without extra penalties. Hotels and tour packages are not covered.
Are the 16-18 November non-working days nationwide?
No. Proclamation No. 1447 covers the National Capital Region only, according to Philstar L!fe.
