Metro Manila Declares Nov. 16–18 Special Non-Working Days for 49th ASEAN Summit; Road Closures and Flight Changes Expected
Why It MattersSummit security and delegation movements will constrain Manila's airspace and airport capacity for days, a pattern that typically pushes visiting leaders' aircraft and other premium traffic toward alternate Philippine airports.
Metro Manila will host the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit from Nov. 16 to 18 at several venues across the capital, primarily the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. U.S. President Donald Trump is among the leaders expected to attend. Under Proclamation 1447, Malacañang has declared Nov. 16 to 18 special non-working days throughout Metro Manila to ease traffic congestion and allow authorities to secure areas used by summit participants.
Temporary road closures will be imposed around the PICC and surrounding areas in Pasay, including Diokno Boulevard, Atang Dela Rama Street and Magdalena Jalandoni Street. Motorists are also advised to avoid Macapagal Boulevard, the World Trade Center area and portions of Roxas Boulevard because of expected heavy traffic. Employees working within restricted areas may be allowed to enter on presentation of a valid company ID, subject to security rules. Designated bus lanes will temporarily serve as ASEAN lanes to prioritize vehicles carrying officials and summit delegations.
Air passengers should prepare for possible flight cancellations or schedule changes. The Civil Aeronautics Board has directed airlines to coordinate with airport authorities and inform affected passengers as early as possible. Passengers are advised to monitor flight status, check official airline and government advisories, coordinate with airlines on rebooking, allow additional travel time, and expect possible delays in check-in and security screening. Cebu Pacific has announced cancellations on selected domestic and international routes from Nov. 14 to 18, covering Manila's links with Bangkok, Brunei, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo. The airline said affected passengers had been notified and reaccommodated on the next available flights.
