Cathay Pacific extends Dubai, Riyadh flight suspensions through January 2027

Cathay Pacific has extended its flight suspensions to Dubai and Riyadh until January 2027 due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the airline announced. In a press release on Monday, Cathay Pacific confirmed that these flights would be cancelled through January 31, 2027. The airline initially suspended services to these cities in March following US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, which killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Since then, Iran has retaliated with attacks across the Middle East. Other airlines have also suspended services to some Middle Eastern destinations and rerouted flights away from the region. In early July, Cathay Pacific had planned to resume daily flights to Dubai and four times weekly flights to Riyadh from September. However, the airline later reversed this decision in mid-July, citing "latest developments" in the region, and advised affected travelers to rebook or receive a refund for their flights.

Conflict in the Middle East continues, with the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transport route, remaining blocked. Oil prices have surged recently, and US President Donald Trump has suggested that Washington may consider renewed strikes against Iran following Houthi rebel attacks on Riyadh.