Cathay Pacific has suspended all passenger flights between Hong Kong and Dubai until at least 31 August 2026. The suspension also covers the airline’s Riyadh route.
As of early June 2026, the April US–Iran ceasefire has collapsed and Iran has launched renewed strikes across the Gulf, putting regional hubs back on alert. Here is the current status of Cathay Pacific’s Dubai service, the resumption picture, and your rebooking and refund options.
Cathay Pacific Flights to Dubai: Current Status
All Cathay Pacific passenger flights between Hong Kong and Dubai are suspended until at least 31 August 2026. Cathay Pacific extended the suspension in a 20 May 2026 traffic update from parent company Swire Pacific, citing softened Middle East travel demand alongside continuing security and airspace-routing concerns.
| Cathay Pacific Route | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong (HKG) – Dubai (DXB) | Suspended until at least 31 August 2026 |
Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport is open and operating, though carriers are on alert for short-notice diversions following the renewed strikes. Home carriers Emirates and flydubai continue to operate, while a number of long-haul international carriers — Cathay Pacific included — have paused their Dubai service.
If you were booked on a Cathay Pacific flight to or from Dubai during the suspension, your flight is cancelled. Read on for your rebooking and refund options.
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When Will Cathay Pacific Resume Dubai Flights?
No firm restart date has been confirmed. Cathay Pacific has committed only to keeping Dubai and Riyadh suspended until at least 31 August 2026, and will reassess closer to that date.
The renewed strikes across the Gulf in early June make an earlier return unlikely. A meaningful de-escalation and a sustained reopening of regional airspace would be the clearest signals for airlines to restart Gulf routes.
What to Watch For
- Cathay Pacific’s travel updates page — the airline posts suspension changes on its Dubai disruption page
- UAE GCAA announcements — any move on UAE airspace is a key signal; airspace reopened on 2 May 2026 and has not been officially re-closed, but the renewed strikes have triggered diversions
- De-escalation in the Gulf — a durable halt to the renewed strikes would be the strongest trigger for route resumption
Rebooking and Refunds for Cathay Pacific Dubai Flights
Cathay Pacific is offering fee-free changes and full refunds for affected Dubai and Riyadh bookings. This is a special disruption waiver, not the airline’s standard refund policy.
If you are booked to travel between Hong Kong and Dubai up to 30 September 2026, you are eligible for the following options, as announced by Cathay Pacific:
- Full refund — no cancellation fees; processing in up to 7 calendar days, and potentially longer for interline bookings or where extra information is needed
- Free date change — rebook to any available flight at no charge
- Free rerouting — change your destination at no extra cost
How to Process Your Rebooking or Refund
- Booked directly with Cathay Pacific? Use Manage Booking on cathaypacific.com or the Cathay Pacific mobile app
- Booked through a travel agent or OTA? Contact your original booking channel, as Cathay Pacific cannot process refunds for agent-issued tickets directly
The waiver currently applies to travel booked up to 30 September 2026. If the suspension is extended again, Cathay Pacific has historically moved the waiver window to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cathay Pacific flying to Dubai right now?
No. Cathay Pacific has suspended all Hong Kong–Dubai passenger flights until at least 31 August 2026, citing softened Middle East demand and continuing security and airspace concerns.
Can I get a refund for my cancelled Cathay Pacific Dubai flight?
Yes. Cathay Pacific is offering full fee-free refunds for affected Dubai and Riyadh bookings, plus free date changes and rerouting. Process it through Manage Booking on cathaypacific.com, or contact your travel agent if you booked through one.
When will Cathay Pacific resume flights to Dubai?
There is no firm restart date. The suspension runs until at least 31 August 2026, and the renewed Gulf strikes make an earlier return unlikely. Check the airline’s Dubai disruption page for updates.
How can I fly from Hong Kong to Dubai right now?
Emirates remains the main option still serving Dubai, subject to short-notice schedule changes. Check Wego’s flight tracking for Dubai Airport to see which carriers are currently operating, and review government advisories before booking.
Does Cathay Pacific still fly to any Middle East destinations?
Its Middle East network is heavily reduced. Dubai and Riyadh are suspended until at least 31 August 2026, and Tel Aviv is suspended indefinitely. Check Cathay Pacific’s website for the latest on any remaining services.
Is Dubai Airport open?
Yes, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is open and operating. Following the renewed Gulf strikes, hubs are on alert and short-notice diversions are possible, so confirm your flight with the airline before travelling.
Sources
- Cathay Pacific — Latest Situation: Dubai Flight Disruptions
- Connecting Travel — Cathay Pacific Extends Dubai and Riyadh Flight Suspension
- Khaleej Times — Dubai Airports Scale Up Operations as UAE Airspace Reopens
- Al Jazeera — Iran, Kuwait, Bahrain Hit: Is the War in the Gulf Escalating Again? (3 June 2026)
- US State Department — United Arab Emirates Travel Advisory
- UK FCDO — United Arab Emirates Travel Advice
- Australia Smartraveller — United Arab Emirates
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
