As of 4 June 2026, Cathay Pacific is not operating its Hong Kong-Riyadh route. The airline’s latest Riyadh notice says all flights between Hong Kong (HKG) and Riyadh (RUH) are suspended up to and including 31 August 2026.
The official reason is softened travel demand to the Middle East, while the renewed June attacks in the Gulf keep short-notice disruption risk high across the region. Here’s what to know about the suspension, waiver terms, and whether to book Cathay Pacific to Riyadh right now.
Cathay Pacific Flights to Riyadh: Current Status
Cathay Pacific’s Riyadh service remains suspended through 31 August 2026. The airline says affected customers should check their booking in Manage Booking and watch Cathay’s website for departures after that date.
| Route | Current status | What passengers should do |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong (HKG) – Riyadh (RUH) | Suspended through 31 August 2026 | Check Manage Booking, then use Cathay’s waiver to rebook, reroute, or refund if eligible |
| Departures after 31 August 2026 | No firm restart confirmed | Monitor Cathay’s flight status page before making fixed onward plans |
King Khalid International Airport itself has not posted a blanket closure notice, but the route-specific Cathay suspension means HKG-RUH travellers need an alternative carrier or routing. Check live Riyadh airport flight status before going to the terminal.
When Will Cathay Pacific Resume Riyadh Flights?
Cathay Pacific has not confirmed a restart date beyond the 31 August 2026 suspension window. Its current notice tells passengers with later departures to keep checking flight information and new announcements.
The regional risk backdrop has worsened again. On 3 June 2026, AP reported that Iranian drones damaged Kuwait International Airport, killing one person, wounding dozens, and briefly closing the airfield; Saudi Arabia also condemned attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain.
EASA’s conflict zone bulletin 2026-03-R11 is valid until 10 June 2026 unless reviewed earlier. It advises operators to avoid Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon and to exercise caution in Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
- Airline review: Cathay will need its own safety and commercial review before restoring the route.
- Airspace risk: European and other international operators are still being told to monitor Gulf airspace closely.
- Airport planning: Any renewed closure or diversion in nearby Gulf hubs could affect connections even if Riyadh remains open.
If you hold a Cathay Pacific booking to Riyadh, treat the route as unavailable until Cathay publishes a fresh restart notice.
Rebooking and Refunds for Cathay Pacific Riyadh Flights
Cathay Pacific’s Middle East waiver covers eligible Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha itineraries. For Riyadh, the latest waiver applies to tickets issued on or before 20 May 2026 for travel between 28 February and 30 September 2026.
| Option | Current waiver detail | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Rebook | Change to new travel dates, subject to seat availability; fare or tax differences may still apply | Change before 30 September 2026; complete travel by 30 November 2026 |
| Reroute | Use Cathay’s waiver if your eligible itinerary is affected | Before 30 September 2026 |
| Refund | Refund charges are waived for eligible affected tickets that have not already been fully or partly refunded | Use Manage Booking or your travel agent as soon as your trip is affected |
If you booked through Cathay Pacific, use Manage Booking for online changes or refunds. If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, Cathay asks you to contact that seller directly.
Cathay Pacific also lists Customer Care as an option for passengers who booked directly with the airline. Its official WhatsApp customer-care number is +852 2747 2747 and is available 24/7 in English and Chinese.
Should You Book Cathay Pacific to Riyadh Right Now?
Do not book Cathay Pacific to Riyadh unless you are comfortable with the route staying suspended until at least September. Cathay has not announced a restart, and regional advisories still warn of missile, drone, and airspace risks.
- US advisory: The US State Department lists Saudi Arabia as Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” citing Iranian drone and missile threats, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws.
- UK advisory: The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh Province and warns that insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.
- Australia advisory: Smartraveller advises Australians to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia overall and says flight schedules may change at short notice.
If you still need to travel to Riyadh, book a route that is actually operating and keep onward plans flexible. Avoid prepaid non-refundable hotels, confirm your travel insurance position, and check airline, airport, and government advisory pages before each travel leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cathay Pacific flying to Riyadh right now?
No. Cathay Pacific says all Hong Kong-Riyadh flights are suspended up to and including 31 August 2026.
Can I get a refund for my cancelled Cathay Pacific Riyadh flight?
Yes, if your ticket is eligible under Cathay’s Middle East waiver. The current waiver covers qualifying Riyadh itineraries issued on or before 20 May 2026 for travel between 28 February and 30 September 2026.
When will Cathay Pacific resume flights to Riyadh?
No restart date has been confirmed. Cathay says passengers with departures beyond 31 August 2026 should keep checking its flight information and announcements.
Is Riyadh airport open during the renewed strikes?
No blanket RUH closure notice was found during this update. Travellers should still check live flight status because airlines can cancel or divert at short notice.
Is it safe to travel to Riyadh right now?
Government advisories still urge caution or stronger limits. Check the advisory for your nationality, follow local authorities, and avoid travel against official advice unless the trip is essential.
Sources
- Cathay Pacific – Cathay Pacific extends suspension of Riyadh services
- Cathay Pacific – Flexible ticket conditions for flights to/from Middle East
- Cathay Pacific – WhatsApp customer care service
- EASA – Airspace of the Middle East and Persian Gulf, CZIB 2026-03-R11
- Associated Press – Iranian drones hit Kuwait airport and kill 1
- Saudi Gazette – Saudi Arabia slams brutal Iranian aggression on Kuwait and Bahrain
- US State Department – Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory
- UK FCDO – Saudi Arabia Travel Advice
- Australian Smartraveller – Saudi Arabia Travel Advice
- King Khalid International Airport – Flights information and airport services
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.
