Middle East - Philippines Air Link

In March 2006 Philippine Airlines axed their scheduled flights to Riyadh and since then there has been no direct air service between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

The large number of Filipinos living and working in Saudi Arabia have experienced great difficulties returning to the Philippines since the service was axed.

From early January 2007 the link between the Philippines and the Middle East will be restored with regular flights to both Riyadh and Jeddah.

Tair Airlines have announced plans for four flights a week from Clark International Airport in Pampanga according to Arab News. Eventually they hope to increase the frequency to daily direct flights.

Tair Airlines is Philippines-registered but 40% of the shares are owned by a Saudi businessman.