business · SCMP

Cathay Extends Middle East Flight Suspension to January as Iran Conflict Persists

SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN

Summary

Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific has extended its suspension of passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh until January 31, 2027, marking the third postponement since the US-Israel war on Iran began. The airline first halted services in March following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and has repeatedly delayed resumption amid escalating regional tensions. Affected passengers will be offered rebooking, diversion or refund options as the carrier continues monitoring the situation.

Key Points

Cathay Pacific announced on Monday that passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh will remain cancelled through January 31, 2027
The airline first suspended all passenger and cargo flights on February 28 when the US and Israel launched massive aerial strikes on Iran
In early July, Cathay planned to resume daily flights to Dubai and four-times-weekly service to Riyadh from September
The suspension was pushed back to late October in mid-July, then to end of November in early September before this latest extension
Washington recently rejected Iran's seven-day road map to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to warn of a potential "doomsday" war

Why It Matters

The extended flight suspension underscores how the Middle East conflict is disrupting global aviation routes and supply chains, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining blocked and oil prices surging. Hong Kong travellers to the region face continued uncertainty while the aviation industry navigates one of the most volatile geopolitical situations in recent memory .