Cathay Pacific cancels Dubai, Riyadh flights amid Middle East tensions

Cathay Pacific has extended the suspension of all passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh until Nov 30, 2026, as continuing tensions in the Middle East prompt the Hong Kong flag carrier to keep its routes to the two cities grounded.

The airline's passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh will remain suspended for a total of nine months since it first cancelled the routes on Feb 28.

Cathay attributed the extension to the "latest developments in the Middle East" and said affected travellers would be given the flexibility to rebook, reroute or receive refunds for their tickets, reported The Standard.

The airline's decision comes amid renewed tensions in the region, including a fresh exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran. Pressure has also intensified with the United States stepping up measures around the Strait of Hormuz.

On July 2, the airline announced plans to progressively resume passenger and freighter services to the Middle East from Sept 1, putting tickets back on sale. 

However, on July 17, it postponed the planned resumption until late October, citing developments in the region, reported South China Morning Post.

Cathay said on its website that it will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East.

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