Over 50 Cancellations and 890 Delays across Middle East Affect Travel across Jeddah, Istanbul and Other Airports

Written By: Indranil Mukherjee

Indranil Mukherjee

I am an SEO content writer with over two years of experience in digital publishing. I hold a Master's degree in English, and since completing my studies, I have been working with Travel And Tour World. I am passionate about creating engaging, well-researched content that informs and connects with readers. I have a keen interest in exploring the social and economic forces that shape the world, with a particular focus on literature, travel, and global developments. Through my work, I strive to deliver insightful, accurate, and SEO-friendly content that helps readers stay informed about the latest trends and stories from the travel industry.

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September 12, 2026 03:01 GMT+5:30

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Passengers are experiencing severe flight disruptions at Jeddah, Istanbul, and other Middle East airports, with over 50 cancellations and 890 delays. According to the most recent operational statistics, major aviation hubs saw notable schedule modifications that affected passengers on both domestic and international routes. Heavy strain was also felt at major airports including Jeddah and Istanbul; problems were also reported at Dubai, Riyadh, and other airports. Managing flight schedules, aircraft movements, and passenger connections presented difficulties for airlines. Travel arrangements are now uncertain due to the combined effects of these delays and cancellations; travelers are encouraged to check for updates before traveling to impacted airports.

Middle East aviation network faces widespread disruptions across key airports

Flight operations across the Middle East faced significant disruption today, with major airports in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel and Türkiye reporting hundreds of delays and dozens of cancellations. Based on the provided airport data, a total of 890 flight delays and 58 cancellations were recorded across the affected airports, creating travel challenges for passengers connecting through some of the region’s busiest aviation hubs.

The disruption affected major international gateways including Dubai International Airport, Istanbul Airport, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Ben Gurion International Airport. While some airports experienced high volumes of delayed flights, others recorded cancellations despite reporting limited or no delays.

The figures highlight continued pressure across the Middle East aviation network, where large connecting airports play a central role in regional and international travel. Passengers travelling through these hubs may experience longer waiting times, revised schedules and possible changes to onward connections.

Dubai, Istanbul and Saudi airports record highest disruption levels

Among the affected airports, Istanbul Airport recorded the highest number of delays, with 219 delayed flights and four cancellations. As one of the world’s busiest international transfer points, disruption at Istanbul can affect passengers travelling between Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other global destinations.

Dubai International Airport reported the second-highest delay figure, with 162 delayed flights and 11 cancellations. As a major global aviation hub serving millions of international passengers, delays at Dubai can have a wider impact on connecting travellers and airline schedules.

In Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded 142 delays and eight cancellations, affecting passengers travelling through one of the country’s most important gateways. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reported 94 delays and 13 cancellations, recording the highest number of cancellations among all airports listed.

Other Saudi airports also experienced operational challenges. Abha Regional Airport recorded 31 delays and nine cancellations, while Gizan Regional Airport recorded three cancellations despite reporting zero delays. Najran Domestic Airport also reported four cancellations with no recorded delays.

The disruption extended across other regional airports. Sharjah International Airport in the UAE recorded 57 delays and two cancellations, while Bahrain International Airport reported 22 delays and two cancellations. Kuwait International Airport recorded 54 delays and one cancellation. Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel reported 109 delays and one cancellation.

Airport and country analysis: Saudi Arabia, UAE and regional hubs face passenger impact

The disruption pattern shows that major aviation markets across the Middle East were affected, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE recording some of the highest operational impacts.

Saudi Arabia experienced disruption across multiple airports. The country recorded delays at major international gateways including Riyadh and Jeddah, while smaller regional airports such as Abha, Gizan and Najran also reported cancellations. The figures indicate that both international and domestic passenger movements were affected.

The UAE’s aviation sector also faced pressure, particularly at Dubai International Airport, where 162 delays and 11 cancellations were reported. Sharjah International Airport recorded additional disruption with 57 delays and two cancellations, affecting passengers using alternative UAE gateways.

Türkiye’s Istanbul Airport reported the highest overall delay figure with 219 delays, highlighting the impact on one of the region’s key connecting airports. Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport also experienced considerable disruption with 109 delays and one cancellation.

Bahrain and Kuwait recorded comparatively lower disruption levels but still faced delays affecting passenger schedules. Bahrain International Airport reported 22 delays and two cancellations, while Kuwait International Airport recorded 54 delays and one cancellation.

Airlines affected as Saudia and Flydubai report delays and cancellations

Airline operations were also affected, with available airline-level data showing disruption for Saudia and Flydubai.

Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, recorded 21 cancelled flights, representing a four per cent cancellation rate. The airline also reported 84 delayed flights, accounting for a 16 per cent delay rate. These disruptions affected passengers travelling through Saudi airports and connecting to domestic and international destinations.

Flydubai, the UAE-based airline, recorded two cancelled flights, representing a zero per cent cancellation rate. The carrier reported 57 delayed flights, with an 18 per cent delay rate. As a major regional operator, delays can affect passengers travelling between the UAE and destinations across the Middle East and beyond.

The airline data reflects how airport-level disruptions can spread across carrier networks, affecting aircraft schedules, passenger connections and planned journey times.

What affected passengers can do now

Passengers travelling through affected Middle East airports should take several steps to manage possible disruptions.

Travellers should first check their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport. Real-time updates from carriers can provide information about delays, cancellations, revised departure times and alternative travel options.

Passengers facing delays should allow additional time for airport procedures, especially at large hubs such as Dubai International Airport, Istanbul Airport, Jeddah and Riyadh. Longer waiting periods may occur due to aircraft scheduling changes and connection adjustments.

Those affected by cancellations should contact their airline immediately to explore available options, including rebooking on alternative flights, changing travel dates or receiving applicable refunds based on airline policies.

Travellers with connecting flights should also review onward journey arrangements, as delays at one airport can affect later segments of a trip. Keeping digital copies of booking confirmations, boarding passes and travel documents can help speed up assistance.

Data Verification Notice

The data has been extensively curated by our editorial team using real-time aviation figures recorded on 11 September 2026 at 5:09 pm ET USA (12 September 2026, 1:10 am GST).
Primary Source: FlightAware.
Verification Protocol: All statistics have been independently reviewed and cross-checked by our human editorial desk. Timestamped records, data logs and feed snapshots are securely archived internally to support historical accuracy and editorial transparency.
Note: Real-time flight-tracking figures reflect active airspace and operational data. Minor variations may occur when compared with information displayed at individual airport terminals or airline departure gates.

Yesterday, Middle East airports recorded 66 Cancellations and 1,142 Delays. Read the full coverage here.

Verified by Tuhin Sarkar