Closure of Dubai and Doha hubs is forcing Hong Kong passengers onto expensive direct flights to Europe
Operation Epic Fury Disrupts Global Travel, Hong Kong Pays the Price
When United States and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran in late February 2026, the immediate military and geopolitical consequences dominated headlines. But for tens of thousands of ordinary travelers trying to move between Hong Kong and Europe, the conflict delivered a more immediate shock: the sudden closure or severe restriction of the major transit hubs that connect the two regions. Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport in Doha, two of the world’s busiest transit points for long-haul travelers, suspended or dramatically curtailed operations as the conflict escalated.
The Flight Market Collapse
The impact on Hong Kong travelers trying to reach Europe was immediate and severe. A check of Cathay Pacific’s booking platform on the Monday following the initial strikes showed no available seats from Hong Kong to London for six consecutive days, from Tuesday through Sunday. The airline, which normally operates six weekly flights between the two cities, had only a single available seat on March 9, the direct service CX251, with a one-way economy ticket priced at HK$53,614, the equivalent of approximately US$6,850. Even for the following days, economy fares to London remained above HK$20,000, representing a massive premium over normal pricing.
The Cost of Conflict-Free Routes
With Middle Eastern transit hubs out of operation, passengers have been forced onto the limited supply of direct flights between Asia and Europe, or onto alternative routing through cities like Istanbul, Moscow (largely unavailable for geopolitical reasons), or North Asian hubs. The surge in demand for these alternatives, against a supply that cannot be rapidly increased, has driven prices to levels that price ordinary travelers out of the market entirely. For Hong Kong’s business community, which relies on efficient and affordable air connectivity to Europe for trade, finance, and talent movement, prolonged disruption of this kind is a serious economic concern. For individuals with urgent travel needs, including those with medical appointments, family emergencies, or time-sensitive professional commitments, the disruption is not merely inconvenient but potentially catastrophic.
Oil Prices and the Structural Cost
Beyond the immediate supply shock, aviation analysts point to the structural cost implications of the conflict for airfares over the medium term. Rising oil prices, driven by uncertainty about supply from a major oil-producing region, translate directly into higher fuel costs for airlines. Senior advisers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Aviation Policy and Research Centre have noted that the ongoing conflict will inevitably add to the cost burden on passengers even after transit hubs reopen, as airlines seek to recover higher fuel costs through ticket pricing.
Geopolitical Risk and Hong Kong’s Exposure
Hong Kong’s exposure to Middle East geopolitical risk is a function of its geographic position and its role as a major long-haul aviation hub. As a city that derives enormous economic value from its connectivity, disruptions to global aviation networks hit Hong Kong disproportionately hard. For the city’s freedom advocates, there is a further dimension: the degree to which Hong Kong’s economic wellbeing is now intimately tied to decisions made in Beijing about how to manage China’s foreign policy interests in a rapidly shifting world order. The International Air Transport Association tracks global aviation disruption and economic impacts. Cathay Pacific’s official travel advisories provide updated information for affected passengers. The International Civil Aviation Organization coordinates global airspace management responses to conflict zones. Independent aviation analysis from CAPA Centre for Aviation provides detailed market intelligence. The people of Hong Kong are once again paying the price for geopolitical decisions made far from their shores, in a world where the guarantees of safety and stability that the government promises are only as solid as the fragile international order that surrounds them.
Tsz Yan
Environment & Public Policy Journalist, Apple Daily UK
Contact: tszyan@appledaily.uk
Tsz Yan is an environment and public policy journalist specializing in climate issues, urban planning, and environmental governance. She completed her journalism education at a top-tier UK journalism institution, where she trained in policy analysis, data-driven reporting, and environmental journalism ethics.
Her professional experience includes reporting for Apple Daily and other liberal Chinese publications on pollution control, infrastructure development, environmental regulation, and sustainability policy. Tsz Yan’s reporting integrates scientific data, regulatory documents, and interviews with experts and affected communities.
She has worked in newsroom settings where environmental reporting intersects with economic and political pressures, giving her practical experience in verification and balanced framing. Her stories are known for accurate interpretation of technical data and clear attribution.
Tsz Yan’s authority comes from consistent publication within reputable news organizations and adherence to transparency and correction protocols. At Apple Daily UK, she produces reliable environmental journalism grounded in evidence, professional training, and public-interest reporting.
