143 Delays and 23 Flight Cancellations Hit Middle East as Royal Jordanian, Air Arabia, FlyDubai, Israir Face Severe Travel Chaos, Leaving Passengers Stranded at Dubai, Sharjah, Amman, Istanbul, Beirut, Tel Aviv, and More

Published on November 20, 2025

Air travel disruptions can cause significant inconvenience, especially during busy travel periods. Recently, multiple airlines including FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Royal Jordanian, and Israir have canceled key flights across various regions, impacting passengers traveling to and from the Middle East. Understanding the reasons behind these cancellations and the affected destinations can help travelers plan accordingly. In this article, we will provide details about the cancellations, their causes, and the next steps for affected passengers.

Cancelled Air Arabia flights

Cancelled Royal jordanian flights

Cancelled FlyDubai flights

Cancelled Israir flights

Reasons Behind the Cancellations

• Weather-related challenges affecting regional airports
• Technical or maintenance checks on aircraft
• Air traffic control congestion in busy Middle Eastern corridors
• Crew availability issues
• Geopolitical sensitivities affecting specific regional routes

While each airline did not release detailed, flight-specific explanations, these are the most common official causes cited across recent statements from the carriers involved.

Impact on Passengers

The sudden cancellations have left travelers facing:

• Missed international connections
• Rebooking delays due to peak travel periods
• Longer layovers or forced overnight stays
• Potential visa or transit complications
• Higher ticket prices for last-minute alternative flights

Passengers connecting via Dubai, Sharjah, Istanbul, and Amman were among the most affected, given their roles as major transit hubs.

Passenger Advice

Travelers affected by these cancellations should immediately contact their airline through official customer service channels or mobile apps. Most carriers are offering free rebooking, refunds, or alternative routing where available. It’s recommended to avoid airport counters unless necessary, as digital channels tend to process faster. Passengers should regularly monitor their flight status, keep accommodation and transport plans flexible, and check visa rules if itinerary changes affect entry requirements.

Additional Information

Flight cancellations across the Middle East are not uncommon, especially during periods of heightened travel activity, severe weather conditions, or operational bottlenecks. With airports such as Dubai, Sharjah, Istanbul, and Amman operating at full capacity, even minor disruptions can lead to cascading delays and cancellations. Many affected airlines have emphasized that these measures were taken to maintain safety and operational efficiency.

In regional aviation, safety remains the highest priority. Aircraft undergoing unexpected maintenance checks or delays in crew rotations can result in flight cancellations, as airlines must comply with strict regulatory standards. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in certain airspaces near the Middle East continue to contribute to routing adjustments and operational caution, further straining schedules.

Passengers traveling through transit hubs such as Dubai International Airport or Queen Alia International Airport often experience the widest impact. With FlyDubai, Air Arabia, and Royal Jordanian being major carriers in the region, cancellations affect not only point-to-point passengers but also those with onward connections to Europe, Africa, South Asia, and the Gulf.

Airlines across the region are now increasing support through dedicated communication channels, offering real-time updates and flexible travel options. Passengers are advised to ensure they are subscribed to email or SMS alerts from airlines and keep documentation handy in case alternative travel arrangements require verification.