Dubai, Jeddah, Istanbul Grapple with 424 Delayed Flights and 11 Cancellations by FlyDubai, Saudia, Etihad, Turkish Airlines and more – Travelers Stuck in Chaos Across UAE, Saudi Arabia and Beyond

Published on December 21, 2025

Air travel chaos has gripped three of the busiest airports in the Middle East and Europe, with Dubai, Jeddah, and Istanbul experiencing a massive wave of flight delays and cancellations. With FlyDubai, Saudia, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, and more airlines caught in the storm, 424 delayed flights and 11 cancellations have left passengers stranded, confused, and frustrated. The effects are being felt across UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, causing widespread travel disruption during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Dubai’s Airport Faces Major Delays

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is no stranger to large crowds, but even for this world-renowned hub, the 232 flight delays and 4 cancellations reported recently are unprecedented. As a major global transit point, Dubai sees millions of passengers annually, and the current delays are taking a serious toll on travelers.

FlyDubai, one of the most popular carriers at DXB, is among the hardest hit, with technical issues and weather-related disruptions causing significant delays to both domestic and international flights. For travelers trying to reach destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, delays are stretching into hours, with passengers unsure when their flights will depart.

The airport’s terminals are packed with frustrated travelers, many of whom have been waiting for hours without clear communication. With limited staff available to answer questions, passengers are growing increasingly agitated. Many are considering alternative routes to their destinations, but with limited options and rebooking delays, this situation has become a travel nightmare.

King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah Struggles to Handle the Load

The King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is also facing major challenges. With 128 delayed flights and 5 cancellations, the Saudi Arabian airport is overwhelmed by the high number of affected passengers. As the gateway to one of the busiest pilgrimage sites in the world, Jeddah’s airport is a critical point for international travel, especially during the holiday season.

The delays at Jeddah’s airport have been largely attributed to technical issues and air traffic congestion. Many passengers with connecting flights are being left in limbo, unsure whether they’ll make it to their next destination. The delays are also creating a backlog of travelers waiting to check in, causing further delays for flights that are still operating.

Airlines such as Saudia and Air Arabia have seen a high number of affected flights, with passengers stranded both inside and outside the terminals. While the airport has been working to manage the situation, the lack of timely updates is causing confusion. Travelers are scrambling for information and looking for rebooking options, but the options are limited as other flights are also full or delayed.

Istanbul Faces Delays, But the Impact Is Less Severe

In Istanbul, the situation is a bit more contained, but still significant. Istanbul Airport (IST), a key connector between Europe and the Middle East, has reported 64 flight delays and 2 cancellations. Although the disruption is not as severe as in Dubai or Jeddah, it’s still causing substantial inconvenience for passengers.

Weather, particularly heavy fog, has been blamed for the delays at Istanbul. Low visibility has grounded flights coming from various parts of Europe and the Middle East, creating a backlog on the runways. Turkish Airlines, the city’s flagship carrier, has had to adjust its schedules, and many passengers have been rerouted or faced extended wait times.

While the delays at Istanbul have not led to widespread chaos, travelers are still dealing with uncertainty as many flights are postponed without clear timelines. The airport is taking steps to rebook passengers and provide accommodations, but the impact on those with tight schedules is still evident.

Why Are These Delays Happening?

The delays and cancellations at these key airports are not an isolated issue. There are several factors contributing to this travel chaos, starting with technical issues with aircrafts, air traffic control problems, and bad weather conditions.

During the busy holiday season, airlines struggle to maintain their schedules, especially when demand is high. The weather, in particular, has played a significant role in these disruptions, with heavy fog and poor visibility causing delays, particularly in Istanbul and Dubai. Technical failures, such as equipment malfunctions and maintenance requirements, have also contributed to the delays.

Another factor is the increased demand for air travel as passengers return to the skies in record numbers after pandemic restrictions have eased. Airlines and airports, despite being prepared for high traffic volumes, are still finding it difficult to cope with the surge in passenger numbers.

What Are Airlines Doing to Address the Issue?

Airlines are working around the clock to minimize the disruptions, but with FlyDubai, Saudia, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, and Air Arabia all affected, the scope of the problem is immense. Rebooking options are available, but given the volume of delayed flights, finding available seats on alternate flights is proving to be challenging.

Passengers whose flights have been delayed or canceled are being offered the option to rebook for later dates, though the availability of flights on the same route is limited. In some cases, compensation is being offered, though many passengers are frustrated with the slow pace of rebooking and the lack of communication.

The Impact on Regional Travel

The ripple effect of these flight delays and cancellations is not limited to just the three airports. Connecting flights to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are also affected, causing widespread disruptions to international travel. Many passengers who had planned to connect through Dubai, Jeddah, or Istanbul to other major destinations are now looking for alternate routes to reach their final destinations.

Additionally, the delays are affecting the overall flight schedule for airlines across the regions. Airlines are being forced to adjust schedules, cancel additional flights, or reroute passengers to nearby airports to manage the backlog of flights.

What Can Passengers Do?

For passengers who are stuck in the chaos, it’s important to stay calm and informed. Here are a few steps to take:

• Check Flight Status Regularly: Keep checking the status of your flight through the airline’s website or mobile app. Make sure you’re signed up for updates on cancellations or delays.
• Understand Your Rights: Many passengers are entitled to compensation if their flights are delayed by a significant amount of time. Be sure to check the airline’s compensation policy for delayed or canceled flights.
• Seek Rebooking Options: If your flight has been canceled or delayed, inquire about rebooking options at the customer service desk or online. If possible, look for alternate flights through other airlines or nearby airports.
• Stay Informed: Airports and airlines are constantly updating flight information. Keep an eye on the departure boards and customer service channels for the latest updates.

Conclusion

With 424 delayed flights and 11 cancellations reported at Dubai, Jeddah, and Istanbul, the chaos has left thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated across the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. The ongoing disruptions are a result of a combination of factors, including bad weather, technical issues, and high demand for travel. Passengers are urged to stay informed, seek rebooking options, and be aware of their rights regarding compensation. While the airlines work to clear the backlog, travelers must remain flexible and patient during this challenging travel period.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware