Cebu Pacific cancels flights to and from Dubai due to travel ban extension

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific on Tuesday canceled flights going to and from Dubai from June 1 to June 15, following the national government's extension of travel restrictions on travelers from the United Arab Emirates.

Malacañang extended the travel restrictions for inbound travel coming from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of the India COVID-19 variant or B.1.617. 

In a statement, Cebu Pacific said it has already notified affected passengers, adding that they may choose to rebook, store the amount they paid in a travel fund, or get a refund:

1. Rebook - Unlimited rebooking with no change fee as CEB permanently removed change fees. No additional cost as fare difference is waived if travel is within 90 days from original flight date. A minimal fare difference may apply after said period. 

2. Travel Fund - Store the amount in a virtual CEB wallet valid for two (2) years and use this to either book a new flight or pay for add-ons (e.g. baggage allowance, seat selection, etc.)  

3. Refund 

Cebu Pacific said passengers may select their preferred option through the managed booking portal on the Cebu Pacific website up to 30 days from the date of departure.

The airline also noted that due to the high volume of requests, the process may take up to seven months from date of request.  

The airline management also said it will continue to operate all other domestic and international flights as scheduled. — Consuelo Marquez/BM, GMA News