November 10, 2026 — The U.S. Embassy in Manila has issued a security alert ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit, warning of road closures, tight security and flight disruptions in Metro Manila. Leaders meet Nov. 16–18, Philippine Airlines has cancelled or rescheduled scores of Manila flights from Nov. 14 to 18, and the government has declared Nov. 16–18 special non-working days in the capital region.
What is happening
- Where: mainly Pasay City, around the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
- Road closures: partial closures around the PICC and CCP have been in place since Oct. 24, with full closures from Nov. 9 to 20.
- Events: outdoor events near the venues, such as fun runs, motorcades and processions, are suspended until Nov. 20.
- Protests: some groups have announced demonstrations during the summit.
- Holidays: Nov. 16–18 are special non-working days in the National Capital Region.
Flight cuts at Manila
Philippine Airlines said on Oct. 30 that flights to and from Manila between Nov. 14 and 18 had been cancelled or rescheduled because of extra aircraft movements as delegates arrive. AeroCorner counted 172 one-way flights on the airline’s list, heaviest on Nov. 16 (45) and Nov. 17 (41). Most are domestic, led by Davao and Cebu, but the list also includes Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali (Denpasar), Xiamen and Jinjiang. The airline’s advisory does not separate cancelled flights from retimed ones. Cebu Pacific has also been moving passengers, citing fewer aircraft parking bays at NAIA Terminal 3.
| Date | Philippine Airlines one-way flights affected |
|---|---|
| Sat. Nov. 14 | 26 |
| Sun. Nov. 15 | 31 |
| Mon. Nov. 16 | 45 |
| Tue. Nov. 17 | 41 |
| Wed. Nov. 18 | 29 |
What it means for airline travelers
- Expect fewer seats in and out of Manila from Nov. 14 to 18. With flights cut and passengers re-accommodated onto the remaining ones, standby will be very hard that week. If you can, travel before Nov. 14 or after Nov. 18, or route through Cebu or Clark.
- Check your flight status before going to NAIA and allow extra time for airport security.
- Avoid the PICC/CCP area and Roxas Boulevard through Nov. 20, and plan hotel transfers around the road closures in Pasay. Carry ID if you are inside a restricted zone.
- Ticketed passengers on affected Philippine Airlines flights can rebook, take a refund or convert to a travel fund free of charge through Manage My Booking. Those refunds do not cover hotels or tours.
- Avoid demonstrations, and follow MMDA and local government advisories. U.S. Embassy Manila: +63 2 5301 2000. U.S. citizens can enroll in STEP and Canadians in Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Sources
- U.S. Embassy in the Philippines — Security Alert: ASEAN Summit – Traffic, Security, and Flight Disruptions in Metro Manila (November 2026) (Nov. 10, 2026)
- AeroCorner — Philippine Airlines Cancels or Reschedules More Than 100 Manila Services November 14 to 18 for the ASEAN Summit (Nov. 1, 2026)
- Philippine Airlines — Flight adjustments during ASEAN Summit
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