Duterte’s extended Dubai stopover explained: Philippine Consulate, Embassy on what happened

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte inside the chartered plane. RODY DUTERTE

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte received "full support" as his stopover in Dubai was extended due to flight clearance delays, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Philippine Embassy on Thursday (March 13). “Despite the initial plan for a one-hour stopover, unforeseen circumstances led to an extended delay as the aircraft awaited the completion of overflight clearances from various countries along its flight path to Rotterdam, the Netherlands,” the Philippine missions said in a joint statement. This prolonged Duterte’s scheduled one-hour technical stop at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) on Wednesday (March 12), en route to The Hague for his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). His chartered plane, which was scheduled to depart DWC at 5:15am, was delayed by several hours. The Philippine diplomatic missions in the UAE emphasized their role in facilitating Duterte’s transit, and said they ensured “seamless consular and logistical support” for the former president during his extended layover in Dubai. “This unexpected extension required immediate intervention from the Philippine Team, which worked swiftly to ensure that the former president and his delegation remained comfortable and well-supported throughout the prolonged tarmac stay,” the Philippine missions said. “Following directives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Team in the United Arab Emirates—comprising the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, and the Office of the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché—provided full consular and logistical support to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his layover in Dubai,” the statement read.

Security, medical, and meal arrangements for Duterte

In coordination with UAE authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police, and airport officials, the Philippine team ensured that all diplomatic and aviation clearances were in place for Duterte’s transit. Given the high-profile nature of his journey to face trial at the ICC, heightened security protocols were observed throughout his stay. Duterte remained inside the aircraft under close protection while authorities worked on expediting the clearance process. To ensure his well-being, the Philippine team arranged a standby ambulance near the aircraft, fully equipped with medical supplies, including an oxygen tank, emergency medication, and essential comfort provisions such as blankets and refreshments. Despite strict airport security measures, the Philippine diplomatic team said it also addressed Duterte’s personal request for a hot rice meal. Negotiations with UAE aviation authorities allowed for food delivery, though it had to go through multiple security checks before reaching the aircraft. A video posted by his longtime aide, Senator Bong Go, showed Duterte inside the jet eating plain fried rice and paratha with bottled water and juice. At one point, he was heard asking for a soft drink but was informed that only juice was available. At 11:58am, after all necessary flight clearances were secured, Duterte’s jet departed for Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Duterte’s ICC extradition and VP Sara’s arrival in Dubai

Duterte’s Dubai stopover came as part of his extradition to The Hague, where he is set to face charges of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs. The former president was accompanied by former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, a nurse, and a personal assistant aboard a private jet operated by Challenger Aero Air Corporation. Meanwhile, Duterte’s daughter, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, arrived in Dubai later on Wednesday via Emirates flight EK 337 from Manila. She continued to Amsterdam to accompany her father in the Netherlands. On social media, she expressed gratitude to Filipinos in Dubai for their support. Duterte’s ICC trial has sparked both criticism and support, with human rights groups hailing the extradition as a step toward justice, while his supporters—including overseas Filipino workers in the UAE—expressed solidarity, with some even calling for political asylum for the former leader. Duterte’s legal team continues to contest the ICC’s jurisdiction, arguing that the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019. However, the ICC maintains that it retains authority over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member. ICA/CAM/Expat Media