Flights Cancelled Over Saudi Arabia As Riyadh, Jeddah, And More Cancel 121 And Delay 169, Disrupting Saudia, Etihad Airways, And Others

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Thousands of passengers abandoned as Saudi Arabia faced massive disruptions today as 121 cancellations and 169 delays hit Riyadh, Jeddah, Najran, and Jizan. King Khalid Airport emerged as the worst-hit airport again, accounting for nearly 30% of all cancellations today, while Saudia was the airline hit hardest, followed by Flynas, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Egypt Air.
The latest disruptions come as regional security tensions continue to escalate following the dispute surrounding Sanaa International Airport, Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, and broader instability affecting the Middle East.

• King Khalid Airport in Riyadh was the worst-hit airport with 100 delays and 36 cancellations.
• Gizan Regional Airport saw 38 cancellations, the highest cancellation total among the regional airports.
• Saudia experienced the highest number of cancellations (92).

Houthi Naval Blockade Threat Raises Fresh Concerns

Regional tensions deepened further after Yemen’s Houthis announced that they had targeted two Saudi oil tankers, ENCELA and LAYLIA, claiming the vessels had breached a naval blockade imposed by the group.

Earlier in the week, the Houthis declared what they described as a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
The announcement prompted a strong warning from the Saudi-led coalition, which said it would respond firmly.

The standoff has increased concerns about shipping security in the Red Sea and the Gulf, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption to maritime trade could have wider consequences for energy markets, logistics, and regional transportation networks.
The developments have triggered a spike in searches for “Saudi oil tanker”.

What Is Causing Disruptions In Saudi Arabia?

The latest flight disruptions come amid heightened regional tensions centered on Yemen.
The dispute intensified after the Iran-backed Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of effectively imposing a siege by preventing flight operations at Sanaa International Airport, describing the move as a serious violation of the informal 2022 truce.

Days later, on 13 July 2026, Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks targeting Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia. The strike marked the first direct Houthi attack on Saudi territory since early 2022 and raised fresh concerns over aviation security in the region.

Although airlines continue operating across most of Saudi Arabia, elevated security concerns, operational precautions, and the wider regional conflict are contributing to flight disruptions and schedule adjustments.

US-Saudi Civil Nuclear Deal Adds New Strategic Dimension to Regional Tensions

The United States and Saudi Arabia have reached a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement that could pave the way for the Kingdom to develop a domestic nuclear energy program with American support.

The agreement includes a peaceful nuclear cooperation framework and a bilateral safeguards arrangement that could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically at a US-built facility instead of relying entirely on imported fuel. The project could generate billions of dollars in investment opportunities for American companies involved in nuclear infrastructure.

However, the proposal has also attracted criticism. Former Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Liberman warned that the agreement could encourage a wider nuclear arms race across the Middle East.

While the deal is focused on civilian energy, it arrives during a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, driving a surge in searches for “nuclear deal Saudi Arabia” and “Saudi nuclear”.
Whenever regional tensions intensify, airlines often face greater operational challenges, including security-related route adjustments, airspace restrictions, and schedule disruptions that can affect travelers across the Middle East.

Worst-Hit Airports

King Khalid Airport, Riyadh

Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport experienced the country’s highest disruption levels with 100 delayed flights and 36 cancellations. Flynas accounted for the largest share of delays at the airport, while Saudia recorded the highest number of cancellations. Qatar Airways, flyadeal, and Etihad Airways also experienced notable operational disruptions.

King Abdulaziz Airport, Jeddah

King Abdulaziz Airport reported 69 delays and 28 cancellations, making it the second most disrupted airport. Saudia recorded the highest number of cancellations, while delays were spread across Saudia, Flynas, flyadeal, Egypt Air, Emirates, and Etihad Airways.

Gizan Regional Airport, Jizan

Operations at Gizan Regional Airport were heavily affected by cancellations, with 38 flights cancelled and no reported delays. Saudia was the most affected carrier, followed by flyadeal, Flynas, Air Arabia Egypt, Air Cairo, and FlyDubai.

Najran Domestic Airport, Najran

Najran Domestic Airport reported 19 cancellations and no delays. Nearly all cancelled flights involved Saudia, with Flynas also recording cancellations.

What Can Impacted Passengers Do?

• Check your airline’s latest flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Allow additional travel time when departing from airports such as King Khalid Airport or King Abdulaziz Airport.
• Keep mobile notifications enabled for schedule changes and gate updates.
• Contact your airline promptly if your flight is delayed or cancelled to discuss rebooking options.
• Keep essential medicines, chargers, travel documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage.
• Monitor official airport and airline announcements throughout your journey, especially if traveling through airports in western or southern Saudi Arabia.
• If your itinerary includes connecting flights, confirm onward travel arrangements as schedules may continue to change.

Overview of Flight Cancellations And Delays

Passengers traveling through Riyadh, Jeddah, Najran, and Jizan experienced widespread disruption as airlines adjusted operations throughout the day. Saudia recorded the highest number of cancellations, while Flynas led all carriers in delayed flights. flyadeal also reported significant operational challenges across multiple airports.
Other airlines affected included Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Air Arabia Egypt, FlyDubai, Air Cairo, Air France, Gulf Air, and Akasa Air, reflecting how disruptions extended beyond Saudi carriers.
With Riyadh and Jeddah serving as two of Saudi Arabia’s busiest aviation hubs and Najran and Jizan located closer to the Yemen border, disruptions across these cities have the potential to affect domestic connections as well as international travel. Travelers are continuing to monitor flight schedules closely as regional developments remain fluid.

Data Verification Notice

The Data is extensively curated by me with figures derived from Flightaware dated 22nd July 6:06 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