Cathay Pacific suspends Dubai and Riyadh flights through April

HONG KONG, (AP) March 19: Cathay Pacific has suspended all flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until April 30, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In statements issued Wednesday, the airline said the decision was taken “in view of the developing situation,” warning that further schedule changes may follow in the coming days.

Passengers affected by the suspension will be allowed to rebook, reroute, or request refunds without additional charges. The carrier had already halted services to both destinations earlier in March before extending the suspension.

Amid rising oil prices linked to the conflict, Cathay Pacific has also doubled fuel surcharges on most routes this month. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Airlines raised its fuel surcharges for the second time in just over a week.

The airline noted shifting travel patterns, with increased demand for long-haul routes—particularly to Europe—as passengers seek alternatives to itineraries that rely heavily on Middle Eastern transit hubs.