Cathay Cargo has suspended all freighter flights to key Middle East destinations, including Dubai and Riyadh, with services expected to remain paused until May, according to industry sources.
The move comes amid ongoing operational challenges and regional uncertainties that have disrupted air cargo networks across the Gulf. The suspension is likely to impact cargo capacity on high-demand routes linking Asia with the Middle East, particularly for time-sensitive and high-value shipments.
Dubai and Riyadh serve as major logistics hubs for cargo moving across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. The halt in freighter operations is expected to tighten available capacity, potentially leading to higher air freight rates and longer transit times for shipments routed through the region.
Shippers and freight forwarders are already exploring alternative carriers and routing options to mitigate disruptions. However, limited capacity and increased demand could pose challenges in the short term, especially for sectors reliant on air cargo such as electronics, perishables, and pharmaceuticals.
Cathay Cargo has not disclosed detailed reasons for the suspension but indicated that services will resume once operational conditions stabilise. The situation is being closely monitored by logistics stakeholders, with expectations of continued volatility in regional air cargo flows in the coming weeks.
The temporary pause underscores the broader impact of geopolitical and operational uncertainties on global supply chains, as carriers adjust networks to manage risk and maintain service reliability.