Flights Cancelled Around Middle East As Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, Kuwait, And More Delay 1,077 And Cancel 185, Disrupting Qatar Airways, Saudia, FlyDubai, And Others

Written By: Ryan Rashid

Ryan Rashid

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July 21, 2026 12:23 AM

Image generated with Ai

Thousands of passengers remain stranded as the Middle East faced massive pressure today, with 1,077 flights delayed and 185 cancelled across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. King Khalid Airport in Riyadh emerged once again as the region’s worst-hit airport, as Saudi Arabian airports accounted for nearly 70% of all cancellations. Saudia was the airline hit hardest, followed by Air Arabia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai. Other heavily affected cities included Dubai, Doha, Jeddah, Cairo, Kuwait City, and Istanbul.
The latest disruption comes as renewed military hostilities and heightened security concerns continue to disrupt the Gulf and wider Middle East.

• Saudi Arabia recorded nearly 70% of all cancellations (128 of 185) across the airports covered.
• King Khalid Airport in Riyadh suffered the highest number of cancellations (42).
• Dubai Airport recorded the largest number of delays with 279.

What’s Behind the Surge in Disruptions Across Middle East?

Air travel is once again being affected by the rapidly worsening security situation across the region.

Fresh American airstrikes targeted Iranian military facilities for a ninth consecutive night after Washington announced another US service member had been killed.
Iran responded by launching attacks against American allies Kuwait and Bahrain, further raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

The ceasefire reached last month has effectively collapsed, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted, leading to a heightened interest in “news Iran”.

Military strikes have increasingly targeted infrastructure, ports and communications facilities, creating additional uncertainty for airlines operating across Gulf airspace.
Although diplomatic efforts continue through regional mediators including Pakistan, carriers remain cautious as security conditions evolve.

Houthi Naval Blockade Intensifies Pressure on Saudi Arabia

The conflict surrounding Yemen entered another dangerous phase after Houthi leaders announced an immediate naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.
The move followed threats of imposing a “siege” after last week’s attack on Sanaa Airport, an incident that Yemen’s internationally recognised government said was intended to stop an Iranian aircraft from landing, while the Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia.

Days later, the Houthis launched ballistic missiles toward Abha Airport, with Saudi forces saying the attack was intercepted.
As security concerns mounted, Saudi Arabian airports alone accounted for nearly 70% of all cancellations in the Middle East, led by King Khalid Airport in Riyadh with 42 cancellations, followed by King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah with 33, Gizan Regional Airport with 34, and Najran Domestic Airport with 19, underscoring the growing impact on the country’s aviation network.

The growing confrontation has intensified concerns over transport corridors, maritime trade and regional aviation, while queries for “Houthis Saudi Arabia” have surge, keeping airlines on high alert as security risks continue to expand.

Qatar Drone Law Introduces Tough New Penalties

As regional security concerns grow, Qatar has introduced one of its toughest drone laws to date.

Under the country’s new unmanned aircraft legislation, serious violations can now result in prison sentences of up to seven years, fines reaching QR300,000, suspension of operating licences and temporary business closures.

The Qatar drone law has also given broader powers to authorities to suspend permits, shut down drone operators who fail to correct violations, and confiscate drones along with equipment used in criminal offences.
The law is designed to strengthen oversight of all drone activity amid heightened regional security concerns.

Worst-Hit Middle Eastern Airports

King Khalid Airport, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh remained the region’s cancellation hotspot with 42 cancellations and 94 delays. Saudia suffered the largest number of disruptions, while Flynas, flyadeal, Qatar Airways and Gulf Air were also affected.

King Abdulaziz Airport, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah reported 65 delays and 33 cancellations. Saudia led the disruption count, followed by flyadeal, Flynas, Qatar Airways and Gulf Air.

Dubai Airport, UAE

Dubai handled the largest volume of delays, recording 279 delays and 20 cancellations. Emirates and FlyDubai accounted for the majority of disrupted flights, while Saudia, Gulf Air and flyadeal also saw operational impacts.

Hamad International Airport, Qatar

Doha recorded 152 delays and 10 cancellations. Qatar Airways handled the overwhelming share of delayed flights, with Air Arabia, FlyDubai, IndiGo and Etihad Airways also affected.

Airlines Most Disrupted by Flight Cancellations

Saudia

No airline was hit harder than Saudia, which recorded 113 cancellations across multiple Saudi airports and Dubai. The carrier also experienced dozens of delays as operations remained under pressure.

Air Arabia

Air Arabia recorded 16 cancellations, primarily at Sharjah and Doha, alongside the highest number of delays among regional low-cost airlines.

flyadeal

flyadeal registered 16 cancellations, largely concentrated at Gizan, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai.

Flynas

Flynas reported 10 cancellations, with disruptions spread across Najran, Gizan, Riyadh and Jeddah.

What Should Affected Passengers Do?

• Check your airline’s latest flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Allow extra time if travelling through airports such as Dubai, Riyadh, Doha or Jeddah.
• Keep notifications enabled through your airline’s mobile app.
• Contact your airline promptly if your flight has been cancelled to discuss rebooking options.
• Retain receipts for eligible accommodation or meal expenses if delays become prolonged.
• Follow official airport announcements and avoid relying on outdated schedules.

Overview of Flight Cancellations and Delays

Flight disruptions remained widespread across the Middle East throughout the day, stretching from Riyadh and Jeddah to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Cairo, Kuwait City and Istanbul. Saudia, Emirates, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, Flynas and flyadeal all faced operational challenges as schedules continued to shift. While some airports were dominated by delays and others by cancellations, the overall picture remained one of sustained disruption, with airlines continuing to adjust operations in response to an increasingly volatile regional security environment.

Data Verification Notice

The Data is extensively curated by me with figures derived from Flightaware dated 20th July 1:38 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