Hong Kong carrier restores cargo connectivity to Saudi Arabia from August, with passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh scheduled to resume in September
Cathay Cargo is set to restore its freighter operations to the Middle East next month, marking a significant step in the gradual normalization of air cargo services following months of disruption caused by regional geopolitical tensions.
The Hong Kong-based carrier announced that it will resume dedicated freighter flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 1 August 2026, while its passenger network to the region will also be progressively reinstated. Daily passenger services to Dubai and four-times-weekly passenger flights to Riyadh are scheduled to recommence on 1 September 2026, subject to ongoing monitoring of the regional security situation.
Cargo operations return to Saudi Arabia
The resumption of Riyadh freighter services restores an important cargo link between Hong Kong and one of the Gulf region’s fastest-growing logistics markets.
Cathay Cargo stated that it will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East closely before the planned restart of services, emphasizing that operational decisions will remain guided by safety and prevailing conditions.
At present, the airline has not announced a timetable for the return of its dedicated freighter services to Dubai, meaning Riyadh will be the first Middle Eastern cargo destination to rejoin Cathay Cargo’s freighter network.
Suspensions followed regional instability
Cathay suspended both passenger and cargo operations to the Middle East earlier this year amid heightened geopolitical tensions and airspace disruptions linked to the regional conflict.
The airline said at the time that the suspension was implemented in response to the volatile operating environment, providing greater certainty for passengers, freight forwarders and cargo customers while ensuring operational safety.
In subsequent network updates, Cathay extended the suspension of Dubai and Riyadh passenger services through the end of August, while redeploying aircraft capacity to markets experiencing stronger demand elsewhere in its global network.
Positive signal for regional cargo recovery
The restoration of Riyadh freighter operations reflects improving confidence among international airlines regarding access to Middle Eastern markets, although carriers continue to adopt a cautious approach.
Saudi Arabia remains a strategically important destination for air cargo, driven by growing demand across sectors including pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment, e-commerce, automotive components and high-value manufacturing.
For freight forwarders and logistics providers, the return of scheduled freighter capacity offers improved options for shipments moving between Asia and the Gulf, while strengthening connectivity across regional supply chains.
Industry-wide resumption gathers pace
Cathay is among several international airlines gradually restoring operations across the Middle East.
Turkish Airlines has also announced the phased restoration of its passenger network in the region, with flights returning to Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Kuwait and Bahrain during July. The airline has additionally resumed services to Dubai while increasing frequencies to Amman and Beirut, further supporting regional connectivity.
The gradual reopening of services by major international carriers signals improving confidence in regional operations, although airlines continue to evaluate schedules in response to evolving geopolitical developments and operational considerations.
For the global air cargo industry, the return of additional freighter capacity into Saudi Arabia represents another positive indicator of the recovery of Middle East cargo networks after several months of disruption.
