Cathay Pacific Restarts Hong Kong–Dubai & Hong Kong–Riyadh Flights from 1 September 2026 After Six-Month Suspension
- Xavi
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
Hong Kong, 5 July 2026 — Cathay Pacific has announced the resumption of scheduled passenger services to the Middle East, ending a six-month suspension caused by regional unrest earlier this year.
Daily Hong Kong–Dubai flights and four-times-weekly Hong Kong–Riyadh services will restart on 1 September 2026, with tickets already available for booking.
Key Details of the Resumed Routes
Hong Kong–Dubai: Daily flights starting 1 September.
Hong Kong–Riyadh: Four times per week starting 1 September.
Cargo Operations: Dedicated Cathay Cargo freighter rotations to Riyadh will resume from 1 August 2026.
The airline had suspended all Middle East operations in late February following a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran, which led to widespread airspace closures and volatile insurance premiums.
Why This Matters for Travellers and Business
The resumption is a welcome development for:
Corporate Mobility: Dubai serves as Hong Kong’s second-largest Middle East trading partner and a popular relocation hub for Chinese family offices.
Saudi Vision 2030: Riyadh flights reconnect Hong Kong investors with major infrastructure and economic projects in Saudi Arabia.
Cargo & E-commerce: Restored belly-hold capacity will ease pressure on time-sensitive electronics and luxury goods shipments.
Cathay Pacific stated it will continue monitoring the situation in the Middle East and may increase frequencies or upgrade aircraft if demand rebounds strongly.
Practical Travel Advice
Book Early: Introductory fares are currently around 12% below pre-suspension levels, though fuel surcharges remain elevated.
Terminal Information: Dubai-bound flights will depart from the newly renovated satellite concourse, while Riyadh services remain in Terminal 1. Allow extra time for connections.
For the latest Cathay Pacific route updates, Hong Kong to Middle East flight news, UAE & Saudi visa guidance for Hong Kong travellers, and 2026 aviation recovery stories, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/uae
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