This Airline Postpones Flights to Dubai and Riyadh Until 31 May 2026

Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific announced on Tuesday (24/3/2026) that it has extended the suspension of flights to and from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for one month until 31 May due to the war in the Middle East. Citing AFP news agency, on Tuesday (24/3/2026), the Asian aviation giant stated in two separate announcements that all Cathay Pacific flights to and from Riyadh and Dubai have been cancelled until 31 May 2026, “in view of the ongoing situation in the Middle East”. The company said that affected customers have been notified and that it is “monitoring the situation closely and will remain responsive”. Cathay stated that customers wishing to change their flights to and from the Middle East will not be charged rebooking, rerouting, or refund fees. As is known, the airline cancelled all flights to Dubai and Riyadh in March and April after the war in the Middle East broke out with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on 28 February. Cathay also announced on Tuesday that it will operate additional flights between Hong Kong and Paris as well as Zurich “to meet the surge in market demand to Europe”. The airline is also adding a route to London this month, and said it has noted a “general increase” in demand from other regions as travellers seek alternative routes that are highly dependent on Middle Eastern hubs. Cathay has also doubled its fuel surcharges this month for most of its routes, due to soaring oil prices from the war.