Cathay Pacific extends suspension of Dubai and Riyadh flights

Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific has extended the suspension of its passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh until June 30 because of the conflict in the Middle East.

On March 11, the airline said it would cancel the flights for the rest of March, then on March 24, it extended the cancellations to the end of May.

Soaring fuel prices also mean the carrier has consolidated a “small number” of passenger flights from mid-May to the end of June. 

This has affected about 2% of Cathay Pacific’s total frequencies and 6% of the services operated by its low-cost carrier, HK Express.

The capacity cuts were announced alongside the airline’s March traffic figures, which showed “strong” passenger and cargo demand but noted how jet fuel prices increased “significantly” following the outbreak of war at the end of February.

Cathay Pacific laid on additional flights and capacity to London, Paris and Zurich in March and April to cater for an “upsurge” in demand as passengers “prioritised alternative routings”. 

Passenger numbers in March rose 24.5% year-on-year to 2.8 million, while capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 9%.

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Lavinia Lau (pictured), Cathay chief customer and commercial officer, said: “March was a month of contrast. On the one hand, the ongoing situation in the Middle East shifted demand towards other aviation hubs and generated robust volumes on our flights. 

“On the other hand, the price of jet fuel has increased significantly since the start of March and this is placing huge cost pressure on airlines around the world. 

“According to data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price has increased to US$197.83 per barrel for the week ending 10 April 2026, versus US$99.40 per barrel for the week ending 27 February 2026.

“In the past month, we have pursued every suitable means to keep our flights operating as normal, including the adjustment of fuel surcharges. 

“However, these measures have not been enough to mitigate the significantly increased fuel costs. 

“Cutting back on capacity has always been our last resort, but regrettably we have had to consolidate a small number of passenger flights from mid-May to end-June. This has affected around 2% of Cathay Pacific’s total frequencies and around 6% of HK Express’s total frequencies during this period.

“Beyond June, we plan to operate all our scheduled passenger flights, subject to developments in the Middle East situation and jet fuel price in the coming months. 

“We are remaining agile in our response while striving to maintain our network and frequencies as much as possible for our customers, business partners and the Hong Kong international aviation hub.”

She concluded: “Overall, we expect demand to remain robust through April, supported by the Easter holidays and increased bookings on long-haul routes with more transit traffic going through our home hub.”