Cathay Pacific to restore Middle East flights from September

Cathay Pacific will resume passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh from 1 September 2026, following the recent ceasefire between the US and Iran on 17 June that restored confidence for international airlines to gradually restore services across the Middle East.

 

The Hong Kong carrier will restart daily services to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and four-times-weekly flights to King Khalid International Airport (RUH). 

 

In a statement published on its website, Cathay Pacific said: “Cathay will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East prior to the resumption dates.”

 

Bookings for both routes are now open, with Cathay Pacific offering flexible ticket conditions for travel to and from the Middle East. Passengers with bookings made prior to 20 May 2026 will be eligible for fee-free rebooking, rerouting and refunds. Changes must be made by 30 September 2026, with travel completed by 30 November 2026.

 

RELATED:

GCC passenger volumes rebound more than 65% MoM in May

Tehran–Dubai flights resume months after Iran war

Emirates back at 96% as Dubai carriers recover

 

Cathay Pacific first suspended flights to Dubai and Riyadh on 11 March 2026, before extending the cancellations to 30 June 2026 as the Iran conflict disrupted regional airspace and drove up jet fuel prices.

 

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average jet fuel price almost doubled during the conflict, rising from US$99.40 per barrel for the week ending 27 February 2026 to US$197.83 per barrel for the week ending 10 April 2026.

 

Passenger demand for international travel, however, remained strong. Cathay Pacific carried 2.8 million passengers in March 2026, up 24.5% year on year, while overall capacity increased 9% as the airline added flights on alternative routes including London, Paris and Zurich to accommodate shifting market conditions.

 

For more information, visit www.cathaypacific.com