Cathay Pacific halts Dubai flights until Thursday amid US-Israeli attack on Iran
South China Morning Post
by Oscar Liu,Jeffie LamMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US-Israeli strikes on Iran have led to significant disruptions in air travel, with Cathay Pacific suspending its flights to Dubai until Thursday and Riyadh until Tuesday. The flag carrier from Hong Kong joined a growing list of airlines affected by the geopolitical tensions, with at least 37 flights between Hong Kong and the Middle East grounded so far. Cathay has assured passengers of flexible rebooking options, including ticket diversions or refunds, with no additional fees applied during this period.
The situation reflects the broader impact of escalating conflicts on global aviation routes. The strikes have created safety concerns for airlines operating in the region, prompting carriers to reassess their flight paths and schedules. Cathay's decision highlights the delicate balance between operational continuity and passenger safety in unstable geopolitical environments.
For readers interested in world affairs, this underscores how regional conflicts can ripple through international systems, including global travel networks. The suspension of flights not only affects individual travelers but also has economic implications for the aviation industry and broader Middle East trade relations. As tensions continue to evolve, the long-term impact on international air services remains uncertain, raising questions about future stability in the region and beyond.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/2/2026