Full Breakdown
Cathay Pacific Announces Resumption of Middle East Flights Amid Easing Conflict
7/3/2026, 12:53:31 AM
Core Decision: Resuming Passenger and Cargo Services to Dubai and Riyadh
Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways confirmed on 2 July that it will restart daily passenger flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and four-times-weekly passenger flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, beginning 1 September. The airline will also reinstate freighter services to Riyadh from 1 August, marking a phased return after a six-month suspension.
Background: War-Induced Suspension Since February
Cathay halted all scheduled services to Dubai and Riyadh at the end of February after the war broke out, which triggered regional airspace restrictions and heightened security concerns. The conflict also drove up oil prices, prompting the carrier to raise fuel surcharges repeatedly throughout the suspension period.
Timeline of Service Changes
- Late February 2024 – Suspension of passenger and cargo flights to Dubai and Riyadh.
- 1 July 2024 – Indirect diplomatic talks in Doha involving the United States, Qatar and Pakistan signaled a possible de-escalation.
- 2 July 2024 – Cathay announced its resumption plan.
- 1 August 2024 – Commencement of Riyadh freighter flights.
- 1 September 2024 – Resumption of daily Dubai passenger flights and four-times-weekly Riyadh passenger flights.
Operational Details and Pricing
The airline’s schedule will feature one daily Hong Kong-Dubai round-trip and four weekly Hong Kong-Riyadh round-trips. A South China Morning Post price check indicated a round-trip economy fare to Dubai in September of HK$8,853, of which HK$2,524 is attributed to carrier surcharges.
Official Statements from Cathay Pacific
Cathay’s corporate communication emphasized ongoing vigilance, stating that the airline will keep a close watch on the situation in the Middle East as the planned resumption dates approach. The statement also confirmed that tickets for the September services are already available for purchase.
Criticism & Opposition (None Reported)
The two source articles did not present any public criticism, protest, or opposition from consumer groups, labor unions, or governmental bodies regarding the resumption plan.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both sources provide consistent information on the suspension timeline, resumption dates, flight frequencies, and fare composition. No contradictory figures or missing data were identified within the available excerpts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cathay will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East prior to the resumption dates,” — Cathay Pacific spokesperson
- “These flights are already open for sale.” — Cathay Pacific spokesperson
What’s Next: Monitoring the Situation
Cathay Pacific indicated it will continue to monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East as the September services commence.
