Cathay Pacific announced on 3 March that it is suspending all passenger services between Hong Kong and the Gulf hubs of Dubai (DXB) and Riyadh (RUH) through 14 March 2026. The decision follows a sharp escalation of hostilities in the Gulf after a joint US-Israeli strike on Iranian military facilities triggered heightened air-defence alerts across the Arabian Peninsula. Carriers overflying the region have been warned of potential GPS interference and rapidly changing air-space restrictions, prompting many Asian and European airlines to reroute or cancel services. Although Cathay’s Hong Kong headquarters emphasised that its fleet does not normally traverse Iranian airspace, the airline said the volatile security environment and possible retaliatory action by Iran’s proxies posed "an unacceptable safety risk" to crews and passengers on the Arabian Gulf routes. Flights CX 745/746 (HKG-DXB-HKG) and CX 639/640 (HKG-RUH-HKG) have therefore been scrubbed since 28 February; no services will operate until at least 15 March, pending a further risk review. Approximately 4,000 travellers are affected. Cathay has introduced a comprehensive waiver policy that allows free rebooking, rerouting via alternative Cathay gateways (such as Bahrain or Tel Aviv, if operations permit) or full refunds. Customers holding partially-flown tickets can apply online or through their travel agent; those who booked directly can use the “Manage Booking” portal or contact the 24-hour Customer Care hotline.
![Cathay Pacific Halts Dubai and Riyadh Flights to 14 March amid Middle-East Conflict]()
In parallel, travellers whose new routings require fresh entry permits or transit authorisations may find it quicker to process everything through VisaHQ. The service’s Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) offers up-to-date visa information, digital application tools and express handling, helping passengers secure the correct documents even when itineraries change at short notice.
Business-class and Marco Polo Club tier members have been offered complimentary access to partner lounges during any extended layovers caused by itinerary changes. For corporates with assignees in the Gulf, mobility managers should confirm employees’ travel insurance still covers rerouted itineraries and extended hotel stays. Employers are also advised to monitor the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s Outbound Travel Alerts; an Amber alert (indicating signs of threat) remains in force for the UAE and Saudi Arabia. With Ramadan beginning 10 March, hotel capacity in alternative hubs such as Doha and Muscat is tightening fast—early re-accommodation is critical. Cathay says it continues to "closely monitor the situation" and is coordinating with Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department, international security advisers and airport authorities in the Gulf. The carrier stresses that its priority is the safety of passengers and staff and warns that “further adjustments” may be necessary if regional tensions worsen.
In parallel, travellers whose new routings require fresh entry permits or transit authorisations may find it quicker to process everything through VisaHQ. The service’s Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) offers up-to-date visa information, digital application tools and express handling, helping passengers secure the correct documents even when itineraries change at short notice.
Business-class and Marco Polo Club tier members have been offered complimentary access to partner lounges during any extended layovers caused by itinerary changes. For corporates with assignees in the Gulf, mobility managers should confirm employees’ travel insurance still covers rerouted itineraries and extended hotel stays. Employers are also advised to monitor the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s Outbound Travel Alerts; an Amber alert (indicating signs of threat) remains in force for the UAE and Saudi Arabia. With Ramadan beginning 10 March, hotel capacity in alternative hubs such as Doha and Muscat is tightening fast—early re-accommodation is critical. Cathay says it continues to "closely monitor the situation" and is coordinating with Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department, international security advisers and airport authorities in the Gulf. The carrier stresses that its priority is the safety of passengers and staff and warns that “further adjustments” may be necessary if regional tensions worsen.
