Philippines Launches Charter Flights to Repatriate Filipinos from Middle East Conflict Zones

Philippines Launches Charter Flights to Repatriate Filipinos from Middle East Conflict Zones

The Philippine government has arranged chartered flights to bring home Filipinos from several conflict-affected areas in the Middle East, according to a statement from Malacañang on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families amid escalating tensions in the region.

Coordinated Repatriation Efforts

In a media interview in New York, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro detailed the repatriation plans. She emphasized that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is actively coordinating the return of OFWs through government-arranged flights and other travel assistance measures.

Specific repatriation routes include:

• A group of 16 OFWs from Tel Aviv, Israel, traveled by land to Eilat and crossed into Egypt via the Taba Border Crossing. They are scheduled to fly from Cairo to Muscat and are expected to arrive in Manila on the evening of March 11.
• Another group of 20 OFWs and nine dependents traveled from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to Oman through the Khatmat-Malaha Border Crossing. After entering Oman, they will proceed to Muscat and board a flight to Manila, with an estimated arrival time of 9:30 p.m. on March 10.

Additional Flight Arrangements

In the UAE, the government has secured commercial flights for OFWs and their dependents traveling from Dubai through Emirates airlines. Furthermore, the DMW is arranging flights for Filipino repatriates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the earliest departure scheduled for March 14.

These repatriation efforts are being funded through the Emergency Repatriation Fund of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, an attached agency of the DMW. This financial support underscores the government's commitment to assisting Filipinos in distress abroad.

Ongoing Safety Measures

Since tensions escalated in parts of the Middle East two weeks ago, over 400 Filipinos have already returned to the Philippines. Castro reiterated that the government remains focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipinos abroad, highlighting the proactive steps taken to address the ongoing instability in the region.

The coordinated response involves multiple agencies and international partners, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to crisis management. The Philippine authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to adjust plans as needed to protect their citizens overseas.