Middle East conflict to drive up airfares for Hong Kong travellers: analysts

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Oscar LiuMarch 2, 2026 at 01:00 PM

Middle East conflict to drive up airfares for Hong Kong travellers: analysts

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The Middle East conflict is expected to increase airfares for Hong Kong travelers heading to Europe. Analysts cite the suspension of major transit hubs in Dubai and Doha due to US and Israeli strikes on Iran, forcing passengers to seek direct flights or alternative routes. This surge in demand is driving up prices, with some airlines, like Cathay Pacific, showing limited seat availability and significantly higher fares for direct flights to London in early March. The disruptions in Middle Eastern airspace and rising oil prices are contributing factors to the increased travel costs for Hong Kong passengers.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Israel 50% Iran 50% United States 50% Doha 60% Qatar 60% Dubai 60% United Arab Emirates (UAE) 60% London ×260% Europe ×270% Cathay Pacific Airways 70% Middle East ×380% Hong Kong ×490%

Keywords

middle east conflict 80% airfares 70% hong kong travellers 60% air travel disruption 60% europe 50% cathay pacific airways 50% qatar 40% dubai 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

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South China Morning Post

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Hong Kong

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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middle east conflict airfares hong kong travellers air travel disruption europe cathay pacific airways qatar dubai

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