Travellers Grounded Across the Middle East as Israir, El Al, and Air Arabia Face 10 Flight Cancellations and 122 Delays, Disrupting Travel Across Tel Aviv and Sharjah

Written By: Pamela Das

Pamela Das

I'm Pamela Das, an SEO Content Writer at Travel and Tour World, a leading travel and tourism news portal based in Kolkata, where I work on crafting engaging, search-optimized editorial content for a global travel audience. Alongside my professional role, I'm pursuing an MA in Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University, expected in 2027, which reflects my deep and abiding interest in literature, language, and cross-cultural storytelling.

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July 6, 2026 01:18 GMT+5:30

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Travellers are once again being grounded across the Middle East as Israir, El Al, and Air Arabia face 10 flight cancellations and 122 delays, creating widespread disruption for passengers. As a result, travel plans have been affected across Tel Aviv and Sharjah, where airlines continue to adjust operations amid ongoing operational challenges. The combination of flight cancellations and prolonged delays has left many travellers waiting for updated schedules, rebooked services, and alternative connections. Airport terminals have experienced increased passenger traffic as airlines work to restore normal operations and minimize further inconvenience. Meanwhile, affected travellers are advised to monitor their flight status closely and remain in contact with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. Although carriers are working to recover their schedules, the latest disruptions highlight how quickly aviation operations can change across the Middle East, making flexibility and timely travel updates essential for passengers departing from or arriving in Tel Aviv and Sharjah.

Affected Cities and Airports

The flight disruptions are centered on two major aviation hubs in the Middle East. In Israel, operations at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv have been affected, with Israir and El Al recording flight cancellations and significant delays. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah International Airport in Sharjah has also experienced operational disruptions, with Air Arabia reporting cancelled and delayed flights. Together, these airports serve as key gateways for regional and international travel, making the disruptions particularly impactful for passengers traveling through Tel Aviv and Sharjah.

Flight Cancellations

Overview of Flight Cancellations

The flight cancellation shows that 10 flights were cancelled across two major Middle Eastern airports, affecting three airlines. At Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israir recorded the highest number of cancellations with four flights cancelled (4% of its scheduled operations), while El Al cancelled two flights (1%). These disruptions were accompanied by extensive delays, with Israir delaying 44 flights (53%) and El Al delaying 49 flights (28%), indicating that operational challenges extended well beyond outright cancellations. Meanwhile, at Sharjah International Airport in Sharjah, Air Arabia cancelled four flights (1%) and delayed 29 flights (13%). Although cancellations represented a relatively small share of scheduled services, the combined 10 cancellations and 122 delays across the three airlines significantly affected passenger itineraries, resulting in missed connections, schedule changes, and longer waiting times for travellers moving through these key Middle Eastern aviation hubs.

What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide

Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:

Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.

Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.

Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.

Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.

Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.

The latest disruptions across Tel Aviv and Sharjah underscore how even a limited number of flight cancellations can create widespread operational challenges when combined with significant delays. With Israir, El Al, and Air Arabia collectively recording 10 flight cancellations and 122 delays, many travellers faced extended waiting times, itinerary changes, and missed onward connections. Although airlines continue working to restore normal schedules and assist affected passengers, the situation highlights the importance of checking flight status before departing for the airport. Travellers should remain flexible, monitor airline notifications, and allow additional travel time until operations fully stabilize across these key Middle Eastern gateways.

Authors Observation: All information is manually obtained from FlightAware’s official website, and all operations are subject to change based on real-time updates. In order to maintain safety, airlines actively modify schedules and itineraries. In order to get to their destinations safely, passengers are asked not to panic in such situations and to look for alternate travel choices. Relying on real-time updates, reviewing airline rebooking restrictions, and maintaining flexibility with travel plans are all highly recommended.

Source: FlightAware