Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific has extended the suspension of its flights to Dubai and Riyadh until 30 April, citing the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
In an update issued on 18 March, the airline said all services between Hong Kong and the two cities would remain cancelled through the end of next month, as regional conditions continue to affect operations.
Cathay added that it is closely monitoring developments and may adjust its flight schedule further if necessary, with safety remaining its primary consideration.
[See more: Cathay Pacific, HK Express to double fuel surcharges from 18 March]
The latest extension follows an earlier halt to all Middle East services introduced in late February, as escalating tensions in the region led to widespread disruption across airspace and international travel routes.
To support affected passengers, the airline has implemented flexible ticket arrangements. Customers booked on flights to or from Dubai or Riyadh up to 31 May can rebook, reroute or request refunds without standard change fees, although any fare differences may still apply. Revised travel must be completed by 31 July, subject to availability.
The broader aviation sector has also been impacted, with multiple carriers adjusting schedules in response to airspace restrictions and shifting demand. Airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, have continued to operate limited services on select routes, while others have temporarily reduced or suspended flights.
Despite the disruption, airlines have begun reallocating capacity to alternative destinations, particularly in Europe, as travellers adjust their plans amid ongoing uncertainty.
[See more: China to provide emergency humanitarian aid to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq]
The suspension also comes as airlines face rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict. Cathay Pacific has recently implemented higher fuel surcharges across its network, with fees on some long-haul routes roughly doubling from mid-March. Other carriers in Hong Kong and across Asia have taken similar steps, as airlines adjust fares and capacity in response to higher operating costs.
Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status and travel advisories before departure as the situation evolves.
