PH mounts 2nd gov’t-chartered flight for 340 Filipinos in Riyadh

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

March 14, 2026, 6:28 pm 

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MANILA – The Philippines is bringing home 340 more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on board a government-chartered flight on Sunday morning, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the repatriates will arrive aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR8502 that is expected to land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 6:35 a.m.

It will be the second one to be chartered by the Philippine government since the Middle East conflict broke out on Feb. 28.

At a press briefing at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Saturday, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said on top of those stranded due to flight disruptions, majority of the OFWs on board are tagged as “distressed.”

A total of 16 crossed Saudi Arabia from Bahrain.

“Authorities and support teams will be on standby at the airport to assist the arriving passengers,” the PCO said.

“The repatriates will also be provided with assistance to facilitate their return to their respective home provinces.” 

The repatriation of the displaced Filipinos from the Middle East is part of the Philippine government’s continuing efforts to assist nationals affected by heightened tensions in the region.

More flights

The Sunday arrival of the 340 will bring the total number of OFWs assisted by the government to over 1,000.

Cuanan said commercial and chartered flights for next week are being organized for 400 more OFWs awaiting repatriation.

“They are being prepared for the flight home, meaning those who need visa and those who need to cross to pick up points,” she said.

“Ito talaga ‘yung (This really is the) core government repatriation. From addressing their welfare needs up to purchasing their tickets, renting the bus from point A to the airport, then bringing them home.” 

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said pre- and post-repatriation assistance will be provided to all returning Filipinos, including psychosocial services and government-funded airfare to their provinces.

The first Philippine government chartered flight carrying 442 Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates, including OFWs and stranded tourists, arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Saturday afternoon. (With a report from Ruth Gita-Carlos/PNA)