Cebu Pacific Introduces Manila-Riyadh Route for Filipino Workers

ByAIron Newsman Hours
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Cebu Pacific (CEB) has exciting news for travelers! Starting March 1, 2026, the airline will launch direct flights connecting Manila International Airport (MNL) with Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH). This new route aims to offer more affordable travel options for Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia.

The Philippines’ leading budget airline plans to operate four flights each week between Manila and Riyadh. Departures from Manila will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while flights returning from Riyadh will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Focus on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Market

Xander Lao, the President and Chief Commercial Officer of Cebu Pacific, highlighted the importance of this route for Filipino workers overseas.

“Our OFWs in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East make significant sacrifices to support their families and bolster the Philippine economy. By launching our Manila–Riyadh service, we provide easier and more cost-effective travel options for them,” Lao shared. “Our commitment remains strong in ensuring reliable connections for Filipinos no matter their location.”

The airline asserts that travelers could save as much as 57% on roundtrip fares compared to other available options on this route.

Network Expansion

With this new route, Riyadh becomes Cebu Pacific’s fourth long-haul destination, joining Dubai International Airport (DXB), Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), and Melbourne Airport (MEL). The airline now serves an impressive network of 37 domestic and 27 international destinations spanning Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

See also  Cathay Pacific A350 Makes Emergency Landing in Boston

This route not only benefits the Filipino worker community but also opens up opportunities for other travelers eager to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and urban landscapes as the kingdom invests in its tourism sector.

Market Context

Saudi Arabia is home to a significant population of Filipino migrant workers, with many employed in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, construction, and domestic work. The introduction of direct flights will minimize the need for connections through hubs like Dubai or Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), thereby reducing travel time and expenses for those visiting family in the Philippines or vice versa.

The launch of this route is a response to the growing demand for travel between the Philippines and the Middle East, where Filipino workers form a large segment of the expatriate community.

Promotional Fares

Cebu Pacific is kicking off a promotional sale running from December 9 to 13, 2025. Travelers will find one-way base fares starting at just PHP 1 (approximately US $0.017), exclusive of additional surcharges and fees. This promotional period spans travel dates from March 1 to October 28, 2026.

Additionally, from December 9 to 31, 2025, passengers can take advantage of discounted fare bundles, which include perks such as seat selection, meals, and baggage allowance at special rates.

What exciting travel plans do you have lined up for your journey to Riyadh?

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