Flights Cancelled Throughout Saudi Arabia As 104 Cancellations And 254 Delays Disrupt Key Airlines: What You Need To Know

Written By: Ryan Rashid

Ryan Rashid

Ryan Rashid writes news that people actually find and finish reading. Ryan has a knack for turning jargon-heavy updates into engaging journalism anyone can follow in under a minute. An English graduate from Calcutta University, he pairs sharp writing instincts with a solid grip on what makes a story travel online. He keeps a close eye on what's trending and what's about to, so stories land while they still matter. Underneath the fast pace, there's always solid research and clean editing holding it together.

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July 24, 2026 4:46 AM |

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Travel across Saudi Arabia faced significant disruption after 254 flight delays and 104 cancellations were recorded across four major airports.
King Abdulaziz in Jeddah emerged as the hardest-hit airport, while Saudia was the airline most affected, followed by Flynas, flyadeal, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways.
Airports in Jeddah, Riyadh, Jizan, and Najran all experienced operational disruption as airlines adjusted schedules amid heightened regional security tensions linked to the conflict in Yemen, forcing many passengers to deal with delays, cancellations, and last-minute itinerary changes.

• King Abdulaziz in Jeddah was the worst-hit airport with 136 delays and 26 cancellations.
• King Khalid in Riyadh followed with 118 delays and 26 cancellations.
• Gizan Regional recorded the highest number of cancellations among regional airports with 36 flights cancelled.
• Saudia was the most disrupted airline with 70 delays and 76 cancellations.

Worst-Hit Airports

King Abdulaziz

Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz recorded 136 delayed flights and 26 cancellations, making it the busiest disruption hotspot in Saudi Arabia. Saudia accounted for the largest share of delays and cancellations at the airport, while Flynas and flyadeal also experienced substantial operational issues. International carriers including Emirates, Air India, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Air Arabia also reported delays.

King Khalid

King Khalid in Riyadh recorded 118 delays and 26 cancellations. Flynas led delays at the airport, followed closely by Saudia and flyadeal. Additional disruption affected Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Air India Express, reflecting broader operational challenges.

Gizan Regional

Gizan Regional experienced 36 flight cancellations without any reported delays. Saudia was responsible for the majority of cancellations, while Flynas, flyadeal, and Air Cairo also cancelled flights, disrupting travel across the southern region.

Najran Domestic

Najran Domestic reported 16 cancellations and no delays. Most cancelled flights involved Saudia, with FlyDubai also suspending services, affecting passengers travelling to and from the border region.

Airlines Most Disrupted by Flight Cancellations

Saudia

Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier recorded the largest operational impact, with 76 cancellations and 70 delays across the affected airports. The airline was the most disrupted operator in Jeddah, Riyadh, Jizan, and Najran.

Flynas

Flynas recorded 13 cancellations alongside 62 delays, making it the second most affected airline. Its operations were heavily impacted at both Jeddah and Riyadh while also experiencing cancellations in Jizan.

flyadeal

Low-cost carrier flyadeal experienced 11 cancellations and 34 delays, affecting passengers travelling through multiple Saudi airports.

What Can Impacted Passengers Do?

• Check your flight status regularly before leaving for the airport.
• Allow extra travel time if travelling through airports such as King Abdulaziz or King Khalid.
• Keep airline notifications enabled for gate changes, delays, or cancellations.
• Contact your airline promptly if your flight has been cancelled to discuss rebooking options.
• Retain receipts for eligible expenses if your journey is significantly disrupted.
• Keep essential medicines, chargers, travel documents, and valuables in your carry-on baggage.
• If your itinerary involves connecting flights, monitor each segment carefully as schedules can change throughout the day.

Why Are Flights Being Cancelled Across Saudi Arabia?

The latest wave of flight disruptions comes against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions involving Yemen.

The situation worsened after the Iran-backed Houthi movement accused Saudi Arabia of imposing an effective blockade by preventing flight operations at Sanaa International Airport, calling the action a major breach of the informal truce that has largely been in place since 2022.

The conflict spilled further into Saudi territory when Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Abha International Airport in the country’s southwest. The incident marked the first direct Houthi strike on Saudi Arabia since early 2022 and renewed concerns over the security of aviation infrastructure across the region.

While commercial flights continue to operate throughout most of Saudi Arabia, airlines are navigating heightened security measures, operational precautions, and the broader impact of regional instability. Although individual delays and cancellations can occur for a variety of reasons, the evolving security environment is adding pressure to airline operations, making it more challenging to maintain aircraft schedules, crew rotations, airport procedures, and overall network reliability.

Overview of Flight Cancellations And Delays

The latest disruption has affected thousands of travellers moving through Jeddah, Riyadh, Jizan, and Najran, with airlines working to recover schedules as operations continue throughout Saudi Arabia.

Saudia bore the heaviest operational burden, followed by Flynas and flyadeal, while Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Air India also experienced delays on selected services. The concentration of disruptions at Jeddah and Riyadh highlights the impact on two of the country’s busiest aviation hubs, while cancellations in Jizan and Najran demonstrate that regional airports have also been significantly affected.

Although most flights continue to operate, passengers travelling through Jeddah, Riyadh, Jizan, and Najran should expect schedules to remain fluid and monitor airline updates closely as carriers continue adjusting operations in response to heightened regional security concerns, aircraft availability, and evolving operational conditions.


Data Verification Notice

The Data is extensively curated by me with figures derived from Flightaware dated 23rd July 6:51 pm ET USA

Primary Source: Real-time data aggregated via FlightAware.

Verification Protocol: Statistics are cross-checked by our human editorial desk. Timestamped logs and feed snapshots are securely archived internally to maintain historical accuracy.

Note: Real-time tracking figures represent active airspace data and may experience minor variances from local airport terminal gates. 

Travelers are advised to check respective airline and airports for more latest information and updates