Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Extend Middle East Suspensions

Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific have officially extended their suspension of flights to key Middle East hubs, including Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha. Singapore Airlines has pushed its cancellation of flights SQ494 and SQ495 until December 1, 2026, while Cathay Pacific has similarly extended its service disruptions. These decisions are direct responses to the evolving geopolitical situation in the region, which has necessitated heightened safety precautions for international carriers.

This development follows a broader trend of aviation disruption in the Middle East, which has also impacted other major airlines. The uncertainty surrounding regional airspace safety has forced carriers to prioritize passenger security over schedule maintenance. As the situation remains fluid, airlines are continuously reassessing their operational capabilities, meaning further schedule adjustments remain a distinct possibility for the remainder of the year.

Passengers holding tickets for travel to, from, or through Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha on Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific are directly impacted. This includes both business and leisure travellers who have existing bookings scheduled through the end of 2026.

Makutet expects that the volatility in Middle Eastern flight schedules will persist as long as the current regional security climate remains unresolved. We anticipate that airlines will continue to adopt a conservative, short-term approach to route planning, likely leading to last-minute schedule changes well into early 2027.