PHLPost suspends international outbound mail to 35 countries amid Middle East airspace closures

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) announced on Tuesday that it was suspending all international outbound mail services to 35 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America due to airspace closures in key transit hubs. The suspension, outlined in an operational advisory, affects all classes of mail, including letters, parcels, and Express Mail Service (EMS). PHLPost said the precautionary measure responded to regional airspace closures in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Doha, Qatar, following recent military escalations in the Middle East. These closures have disrupted the primary air transport routes used by PHLPost and its airline partners. “PHLPost continues to prioritize the security of customers’ mail while implementing necessary measures to minimize service delays,” the agency said. The postal corporation is coordinating closely with international postal administrations and customs authorities to ensure the safe handling of mail items and facilitate the gradual restoration of services. The suspension applies to the following countries: Middle East & Africa: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh), South Africa, UAE (Dubai), Israel, Iran Europe: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland Asia: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka South America: Colombia, Brazil PHLPost said it would provide updates as the situation evolves and services are gradually restored.