Our Cebu Adventure: Travelling from the UAE During Airspace Disruptions
Our March 2026 trip to the Philippines had been planned for almost a year, yet it ended up being one of the most spontaneous flights we’ve ever taken.
The trip was part of a wider family holiday, with flights booked, activities planned, and relatives counting on us being there. But just a couple of weeks before departure, regional events led to airspace disruptions across the Middle East, turning what should have been an exciting countdown into a period of uncertainty.
The timing couldn’t have been worse.
Just a week earlier, we had been travelling outside the UAE when the initial airspace closures took place. While much of the news focused on travellers trying to leave the UAE, we were constantly checking for updates to see when we could return. So when we finally made it back to Dubai, the idea of leaving again felt strangely unsettling.
Despite the headlines, we felt more comfortable being in the UAE than outside it. Our concerns were never really about safety. Instead, they centred on practical questions: Would flights be cancelled again? Could we end up abroad longer than planned? Would our carefully arranged itinerary still be possible?
Then the odds stacked further against us. Our Cebu Pacific flight to Manila, the original starting point of our trip, was cancelled. The only realistic alternative was Emirates, but flights were completely full. For a while, it looked as though the trip might not happen at all.
Fortunately, four or five days before departure, we managed to secure seats on an Emirates flight directly to Cebu. Even after booking, we took things one day at a time, following official guidance and remaining prepared to cancel if circumstances changed.
As we could no longer travel through Manila as originally planned, we shortened our itinerary and focused entirely on Cebu. Even arriving at the airport was a unique experience. Alerts continued to appear on our phones, yet everything remained calm, organised, and remarkably efficient.
What stood out most was the level of preparation and communication. Amid a flood of speculation and conflicting information online, our confidence came from official UAE updates and local reporting. The way airports, airlines, and authorities responded demonstrated a level of organisation and efficiency that never left us questioning our decision to travel.
In hindsight, this turned out to be one of the best trips we’ve ever had. The disruptions became part of the story rather than obstacles to it. Cebu exceeded our expectations and gave us experiences and memories we’ll never forget.
Would we do it all over again?
Absolutely.
Based on our experience, even during one of the most challenging times the country has experienced, travelling to and from the UAE while following official guidance remains an extremely reassuring experience.
Unless you’ve lived in the UAE, it’s difficult to fully understand the sense of confidence that comes from knowing systems work exactly as they should when challenges arise.
This experience didn’t just give us a story to tell. It reminded us how fortunate we are to call the UAE home.
