Philippine officials assist Filipinos on their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on June 16, 2025. OWWA

Eighteen Filipino overseas workers bound for Israel and Jordan have safely returned to the Philippines after being stranded in Dubai due to ongoing regional tensions and suspended flights caused by the Israel-Iran conflict. The workers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday (June 16), according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assured that the Philippine government will continue to provide support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the conflict. The escalating violence between Israel and Iran, which entered its fifth day on Tuesday (June 17), has resulted in at least 224 deaths in Iran and 24 deaths in Israel. Civilian areas and critical infrastructure have been targeted in the ongoing airstrikes. Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss confirmed that 22 Filipinos are currently in Israel on official travel. “About 17 mayors and local government representatives, then a few from the dairy industry. So altogether, we have 22 in Israel. I have to say that from what I see, they are feeling okay,” said Fluss. The 17 local government officials were attending an agricultural technology training program from June 10 to June 20. Meanwhile, four dairy industry specialists from the Philippine Department of Agriculture are also in Israel. “All of them have been taken care of by the Israeli government… They are getting food, lodging, and whatever they need. We are catering for them. Of course, it's not a pleasant situation,” the ambassador added.

UAE carriers suspend flights to conflict zones

Travel disruptions have significantly affected passengers in the UAE, with major airlines suspending or rerouting flights to impacted areas. Dubai’s Emirates Airline has suspended flights to Tehran, Baghdad, Basra, Amman, and Beirut until June 30. “Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice,” the airline said. Etihad Airways cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until June 22 and began rerouting other services due to restricted airspace. Flydubai halted all flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria until June 30, while Air Arabia announced suspensions for routes to Lebanon, Jordan, and Russia until June 16, and to Iran and Iraq until June 30. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised residents, citizens, and tourists to avoid travel to high-risk countries, including Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Israel. Emiratis currently in these areas have been urged to register with the Twajudi service for emergency coordination. The ongoing military conflict continues to raise global concern, with international leaders urging both sides to pursue de-escalation and diplomacy. ICA/Expat Media
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