Cathay Pacific Suspends Flights Amid Middle East Turmoil

Cathay Pacific Airways has extended the suspension of passenger and cargo services to Dubai and Riyadh due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Despite adjusting fuel surcharges, the airline consolidates flights, affecting a small percentage of frequencies. The airline anticipates a robust passenger demand in April and plans further adjustments based on regional developments and fuel prices.

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways has extended its suspension of flights to the Middle East, specifically Dubai and Riyadh, in response to ongoing conflict in the region. The decision is effective until the end of June for passenger services and the end of May for cargo, according to a company statement on Friday.

Despite adjusting fuel surcharges, Cathay Pacific is consolidating a limited number of flights between mid-May and the end of June. This disruption affects approximately 2% of its total flight frequencies and 6% of those operated by its budget subsidiary, HK Express. In February, Cathay had already halted all its Middle East operations.

While the airline anticipates healthy cargo demand on long-haul routes through April, robust passenger demand is expected during the Easter holidays and beyond. Additional flights and capacity have been added to Europe, catering to the increased demand. Cathay aims to resume full operations beyond June, contingent on the geopolitical situation and fuel price fluctuations.

(With inputs from agencies.)