Cathay extends Middle East shutdown to 30 April

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific announced it will extend its cancellations of flights to some airports in the Middle East due to the US-Israel war on Iran. The airline said in a statement released Wednesday 18 March that “in view of the volatile situation in the Middle East, and to provide both our passengers and cargo customers with greater certainty for their planning, Cathay Pacific’s Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights, as well as Cathay Cargo’s freighter flights to Dubai and Riyadh, have been cancelled up to and including 30 April. Affected travellers will be offered the flexibility to rebook, reroute or cancel their tickets.” Meanwhile, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) released a statement earlier this week calling on government support for airlines if the war continues. The association said: “Rising global conflicts in recent years have reduced the availability of safe airspace for airline operations, increasing potential safety risks to civil aircraft operating in or near conflict-affected airspace and, in some cases, contributing to interference with satellite navigation systems. The escalation in hostilities since 28 February 2026 has further increased operational risks and costs for airlines.  Safe pathways along the Asia–Europe air corridor are further constrained by conflicts not only in the Middle East but also over Russia, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Pakistan. “Higher jet fuel prices and insurance premiums, together with increased operating costs from longer flight routings, are placing additional strain on the airline industry.  Flight crews and operators rely on timely intelligence, robust risk assessments and clear, state-issued airspace information when operating near conflict-affected regions. If the hostilities persist, governments should consider measures to support the industry in mitigating operational challenges and maintaining global air connectivity, which remains vital to economic activity and social wellbeing. “Governments can support airlines by providing timely threat information, maintaining clear and responsive airspace restrictions, facilitating coordinated repatriation arrangements, and considering measures to alleviate extraordinary operational costs if the situation is prolonged. Government–industry collaboration and mutual support were crucial in managing airline operations during previous crises, such as the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.  Asia Pacific airlines remain committed to maintaining the highest levels of safety and operational resilience, and will continue working closely with governments and industry partners to sustain global air connectivity during this challenging period.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]