KLM, Cathay Pacific and Air Canada suspend Dubai flights until end of March

International carriers are ramping up capacity cuts across the Middle East as the regional conflict continues, with Cathay Pacific, KLM and Air Canada among the latest airlines to suspend services to the GCC region until the end of March.

Cathay Pacific has temporarily halted flights to Dubai and Riyadh until 31 March, citing the “volatile situation in the Middle East”. Affected passengers are being offered rebooking options, alternative routings or the choice to cancel their tickets.

KLM has also adjusted its Middle East network. The carrier has suspended flights to Dubai until 28 March, and to Dammam and Riyadh until 12 March. In an online statement, the airline said: “Due to the security situation in the Middle East, KLM has adjusted its flight schedule in the region. We are closely monitoring developments and will update our schedules where possible.”

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Passengers with KLM bookings to any of these cities through 28 March can request a full refund, a travel voucher or rebook for travel until 26 April. The airline is also offering reimbursement for unforeseen expenses linked to the cancellations, including accommodation and meal costs.

Air Canada has similarly paused flights between Toronto and Dubai until 28 March, while services to Tel Aviv are cancelled until 2 May.

Alongside these temporary suspensions, some carriers are making longer-term changes. British Airways has already halted flights to and from Abu Dhabi for the rest of the year, pointing to potential sustained impacts on regional connectivity. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, between 28 February and 6 March, nearly 30,000 of the 51,000 scheduled flights to and from the Middle East were cancelled.

For more information, visit cathaypacific.com, aircanada.com, klm.ae