Thousands of Passengers Abandoned Around Saudi Arabia As Riyadh, Jeddah, Gizan, And Najran Cancel 106 And Delay 180 Flights, Disrupting Saudia, Qatar Airways, And Others

Written By: Ryan Rashid

Ryan Rashid

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July 22, 2026 2:22 AM |

Image generated with Ai

Flight cancellations continue across Saudi Arabia as 180 flight delays and 106 cancellations were recorded across King Khalid, King Abdulaziz, Gizan Regional, and Najran Domestic airports.
Saudia emerged as the hardest-hit airline, accounting for the overwhelming majority of cancellations, while Flynas, flyadeal, and Qatar Airways also experienced notable operational disruption.
The affected airports serve the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Gizan, and Najran, leaving many passengers dealing with sudden schedule changes.
The latest disruptions come as heightened regional security concerns and renewed cross-border tensions continue to place additional pressure on aviation operations across Saudi Arabia.

• Saudia was the most affected airline, with 86 cancellations and 36 delays.
• King Khalid in Riyadh was the most disrupted airport, reporting 96 delays and 29 cancellations.
• King Abdulaziz in Jeddah followed with 84 delays and 25 cancellations.
• Gizan Regional recorded 36 cancellations, while Najran Domestic reported 16 cancellations.

What Is Causing Disruptions In Saudi Arabia?

Regional tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen continue to cast a shadow over aviation across the Kingdom, with airlines facing a more challenging operating environment as security risks persist. The conflict, which has its roots in Yemen’s prolonged political and military crisis, has repeatedly led to missile and drone attacks aimed at Saudi territory, forcing authorities and airlines to remain on heightened alert whenever tensions escalate.

Although a UN-mediated truce in 2022 brought a temporary reduction in cross-border attacks, the security situation has steadily deteriorated again over the past few years. Houthi operations expanded beyond the battlefield into international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, increasing regional instability and prompting airlines to closely monitor developments that could affect flight operations.

The latest escalation has added fresh pressure on Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. After Yemen’s internationally recognized government carried out a strike on Sanaa Airport to stop an unauthorized aircraft reportedly headed for Iran, the Houthis responded by launching retaliatory drone attacks targeting Abha Airport in southern Saudi Arabia. While airports across the Kingdom continue to operate, airlines have tightened operational planning and adjusted some schedules as a precaution, contributing to the latest wave of flight cancellations and delays.

Most Disrupted Airports

King Khalid (Riyadh)

96 delays | 29 cancellations

Riyadh’s King Khalid recorded the highest number of disruptions in Saudi Arabia. Flynas accounted for the largest share of delays, followed closely by Saudia and flyadeal, while Saudia was responsible for nearly all cancellations at the airport.

King Abdulaziz (Jeddah)

84 delays | 25 cancellations

Operations at King Abdulaziz in Jeddah were also heavily affected. Saudia and Flynas experienced the largest number of delays, while flyadeal, FlyDubai, Qatar Airways, and several regional carriers also reported operational issues.

Gizan Regional (Gizan)

36 cancellations

Although no delays were recorded, Gizan Regional experienced substantial cancellations. Saudia accounted for most of them, while flyadeal, Flynas, and FlyDubai also canceled flights.

Najran Domestic (Najran)

16 cancellations

All recorded disruptions at Najran Domestic were cancellations, with every canceled flight operated by Saudia.

Airlines Affected by Flight Cancellations & Delays

Saudia

The national carrier faced the greatest operational impact, recording 86 cancellations and 36 delays across the affected airports. Its network in Riyadh, Jeddah, Gizan, and Najran accounted for the majority of passenger disruptions.

Flynas

Flynas recorded 37 delays, the highest delay total among all airlines, along with 6 cancellations, primarily affecting operations through Riyadh, Jeddah, and Gizan.

flyadeal

The low-cost carrier experienced 20 delays and 12 cancellations, making it one of the airlines most affected by the latest disruptions.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways reported 12 delayed flights, with disruptions concentrated at Riyadh and Jeddah as operational challenges spread across the region.

What Can Impacted Passengers Do?

• Check your airline’s latest flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Allow extra travel time, especially if flying through airports such as King Khalid or King Abdulaziz.
• Stay alert for airline notifications regarding gate changes, delays, or cancellations.
• Contact your airline promptly if your itinerary has changed to discuss rebooking options.
• Keep essential medicines, chargers, travel documents, and valuables in your carry-on baggage.
• If connecting through airports in southern Saudi Arabia, remain flexible as schedules can change with little notice.
• Review your airline’s baggage and compensation policies before making alternative travel arrangements.

Overview of Flight Cancellations And Delays

Air travel across Saudi Arabia has been placed under considerable strain as disruptions spread across Riyadh, Jeddah, Gizan, and Najran. Saudia absorbed the largest operational impact, while Flynas, flyadeal, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, and several regional carriers also experienced schedule interruptions. Travelers flying through Riyadh and Jeddah encountered the highest concentration of delays, while passengers in Gizan and Najran were affected mainly by cancellations.
Although the majority of flights continue to operate, the latest disruptions demonstrate how quickly regional security developments can ripple through airline schedules. With Saudia, Flynas, flyadeal, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai adjusting operations, passengers traveling through Riyadh, Jeddah, Gizan, and Najran are being encouraged to closely monitor airline updates and remain prepared for last-minute schedule changes as the situation continues to evolve.

Data Verification Notice

The Data is extensively curated by me with figures derived from Flightaware dated 21st July 4:36 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