An Etihad Airways flight traveling from Abu Dhabi to Manila was forced to reroute on Saturday as intense monsoon rains crippled flight operations across the Philippines. Flight EY440, which departed Friday evening, was diverted to Puerto Princesa International Airport after circling Manila in a holding pattern. According to flight tracking data, the Airbus 330-223 touched down safely in Puerto Princesa shortly after 1:00 PM on Saturday, marking a flight time nearly two hours longer than scheduled.

Etihad Airways confirmed that all passengers disembarked without incident and are being provided with hotel accommodations while the airline coordinates their final journey to the capital. The diversion comes as much of the Philippines faces persistent downpours triggered by a strong weather disturbance in the West Pacific. Etihad has issued an official apology for the significant inconvenience caused to those on the flight, as well as to travelers affected by the subsequent delay of the return service to Abu Dhabi. The airline anticipates resuming the final leg of the journey to Manila by Sunday evening, weather permitting.