Is Cathay Pacific a Good Alternative Airline During the Gulf Crisis?

Cathay Pacific works as a Gulf-hub alternative when your itinerary can connect through Hong Kong. Its Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights are cancelled through 30 November 2026, so it is not currently a Cathay-operated option for departing those cities.

Here is what to know before booking.

Can Cathay Pacific Help You? A Quick Check

Not every traveller can use Cathay as a Gulf alternative. Use this to figure out if it works for your situation:

• You are departing from Dubai or Riyadh — Cathay’s passenger flights are cancelled through 30 November 2026, and the airline’s notice offers affected travellers rebooking, rerouting, or refund flexibility.
• You were connecting through a Gulf hub to reach Europe, Australia, or another long-haul destination — Cathay may work if a single itinerary is available through Hong Kong. This avoids a Gulf hub connection, although the operating airline may adjust the flight path.
• You are in South Asia, Southeast Asia, or East Asia and need to reach Europe — Cathay is one of your strongest options right now, with direct flights from your region to Hong Kong and onward connections to London, Paris, and Zurich.
• You are in Australia and need to reach Europe — Hong Kong is a natural alternative to the Gulf as a stopover point, with Cathay flying from both Sydney and Melbourne.

Where Cathay Pacific Is Currently Flying From Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong hub connects to destinations across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.

Here are key Cathay markets for travellers looking for Gulf alternatives. Representative published timetables were checked on 10 September 2026, but operating days vary and the exact route must be checked for the travel date. A timetable is not proof of live flight movement or confirmed seat availability.

Flights From South and Southeast Asia to Hong Kong

Flights From Hong Kong to Europe

The published timetable checked on 10 September lists Cathay services from Hong Kong to London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Zurich. Frequencies and aircraft vary by date, so check the complete itinerary for your travel day.

Flights From Australia to Hong Kong

Flights From Hong Kong to North America

Cathay Pacific also connects Hong Kong to nine North American cities, which may be relevant if your Gulf-routed trip was headed to the US or Canada.

The newest addition is a nonstop Hong Kong-Seattle route, launched on 30 March 2026 with five flights per week. It is the only direct service between the two cities. Other key North American destinations include Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Toronto.

What Is Suspended

Cathay’s notice was updated on 4 September 2026. If you hold a Cathay ticket to or from either city, the airline says affected travellers will be offered flexibility to rebook, reroute, or refund their tickets. Check the current Middle East passenger-services notice and your booking for the conditions that apply.

What to Know Before Booking

Compare the Total Fare and Surcharges

Cathay publishes fuel surcharges that vary by route and ticketing date. Compare the total price for the complete itinerary rather than relying on an earlier surcharge percentage or a fare seen for another date.

Flexibility with your travel dates is the single best way to find better fares. Even shifting by a day or two can make a meaningful difference.

Check Hong Kong Transit Visa Rules for Your Passport

Many nationalities can transit through Hong Kong without a visa if they stay inside the airport transit area, but the rule depends on the passport, travel document, and any official exception.

However, nationals of Bangladesh, Pakistan, and some other countries need a transit visa even to stay airside. Check your specific requirements on the IMMD website before booking.

Book Flexible Fares if You Can

Cathay’s current Middle East notice offers affected Dubai and Riyadh travellers flexibility to rebook, reroute, or refund. For other bookings, choose a fare whose change and cancellation conditions fit your needs.

Your Routing May Still Be Adjusted

Booking through Hong Kong does not guarantee your flight avoids every restricted zone. Airlines continue to adjust long-haul routings depending on which airspace restrictions are active. Watch for schedule change notifications from Cathay after you book.

Third-Party Bookings Are Handled by the Seller

If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, request changes or refunds from the original seller. Direct bookings can be managed through Cathay’s Manage Booking portal.

Other Alternatives if Cathay Doesn’t Work for You

Cathay via Hong Kong is not the only way to avoid Gulf hubs. Here are the other main options available right now.

Search and compare all options for flights to London, flights to Paris, or any other destination on Wego.

What to Do Right Now

• Check if Cathay flies your route. Use the tables above or search on Cathay Pacific’s Wego page to see if a Hong Kong connection works for your trip.
• If you already have a Cathay ticket to Dubai or Riyadh, use the flexible ticket waiver to rebook, reroute, or request a refund at no cost.
• Search with flexible dates. Shifting by even a day or two can open up cheaper fares and better connections.
• Book a through-ticket where possible. Use the minimum connection time accepted for the exact itinerary and leave extra margin if your plans are time-sensitive.
• Track your flight daily before departure using the Wego flight tracker.
• Keep all travel documents on hand, including onward tickets and proof of funds, in case a disruption forces you to enter a transit country.
• Save every airline notification and take screenshots of schedule changes. You will need these if you file for a refund or rebooking.

If you are stranded or facing an imminent cancellation in the GCC, check Wego’s support guide for disrupted GCC travellers for the fastest path to help.

For live updates on airspace changes and route disruptions, follow Wego’s Middle East airspace crisis tracker.

Sources

1. Cathay Pacific — Middle East passenger services cancelled until 30 November 2026 (updated 4 September 2026)
2. Cathay Pacific — Flight timetable
3. Hong Kong Immigration Department — Visit and transit visa requirements
4. Wego Travel Blog — Middle East airspace crisis live updates
5. Wego Travel Blog — Cathay Pacific flight cancellation: refunds, rebooking, and what to do next

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.