Flights Cancelled Across Middle East as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain Delay 705 and Cancel 168 Flights at Riyadh, Doha, Dubai Impacting Emirates, Air Arabia, Saudia and Other Airlines

Written By: Indranil Mukherjee

Indranil Mukherjee

I am an SEO content writer with over two years of experience in digital publishing. I hold a Master's degree in English, and since completing my studies, I have been working with Travel And Tour World. I am passionate about creating engaging, well-researched content that informs and connects with readers. I have a keen interest in exploring the social and economic forces that shape the world, with a particular focus on literature, travel, and global developments. Through my work, I strive to deliver insightful, accurate, and SEO-friendly content that helps readers stay informed about the latest trends and stories from the travel industry.

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July 19, 2026 11:08 PM

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Flights across the Middle East are facing major disruption as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE experience widespread aviation challenges, with airports recording 705 delays and 168 cancellations at key hubs including Riyadh, Doha and Dubai. The disruption has impacted Emirates, Air Arabia, Saudia and other airlines operating across the region. The ongoing situation has affected passenger movement due to a combination of regional security concerns, temporary airport restrictions and operational adjustments by carriers. Major aviation centres in the Gulf have experienced schedule changes, forcing airlines to delay or cancel services while managing safety requirements and maintaining network stability. As a result, travellers flying through Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE should expect possible changes to their journeys. Airlines, including Emirates, Air Arabia and Saudia, are reviewing operations, while passengers at Riyadh, Doha and Dubai airports are advised to check updated flight information before travelling. The disruption highlights the pressure facing the Middle East aviation network as airlines respond to rapidly changing regional conditions.

Reasons Behind Middle East Flight Disruptions and Cancellations

Security Concerns and Regional Conflict Impact Air Operations

Flight disruptions across the Middle East have been linked to rising regional security concerns and restrictions affecting air movement in several countries. Escalating tensions in the region have forced airlines to adjust schedules, suspend selected routes and cancel services to destinations affected by operational limitations.

Kuwait Airport Restrictions Trigger Airline Cancellations

A major reason behind the disruption was the temporary suspension of take-offs and landings at Kuwait International Airport following reported drone threats. The restrictions affected both international and regional carriers, forcing airlines to cancel or reschedule services.

Major UAE carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia suspended flights connecting the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Emirates cancelled multiple services between Dubai International Airport and Kuwait International Airport, while Etihad cancelled flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Kuwait during the affected period. Air Arabia also cancelled Kuwait-bound operations due to the airport restrictions.

Saudi Arabia Routes Face Operational Disruptions

Flight operations to parts of Saudi Arabia were also affected, particularly at Abha International Airport. Services operated by UAE carriers, including flydubai flights between Dubai and Abha and Air Arabia services between Sharjah and Abha, faced cancellations and disruptions.

However, several domestic Saudi connections linking Abha with major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Tabuk continued operating, indicating that disruptions were concentrated on selected international routes rather than a complete suspension of air connectivity.

The ongoing situation has prompted airlines across the region to closely monitor security developments, adjust schedules and prioritise passenger safety while maintaining essential travel links where possible.

Airport Analysis: Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah and Regional Hubs Experience Passenger Disruptions

Dubai International Airport Leads Regional Disruption Numbers

Dubai International Airport recorded the highest number of delays among all listed airports, with 328 delayed flights and 27 cancellations. As a major global transit hub connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, disruptions at Dubai can create wider impacts beyond the airport itself.

The United Arab Emirates aviation sector also saw pressure across major carriers. Emirates recorded 206 delays and six cancellations, representing the largest airline disruption figure in the provided data. Flydubai reported 85 delays and eight cancellations, while Air Arabia recorded 111 delays and five cancellations. Etihad Airways, operating from Abu Dhabi, reported 124 delays and one cancellation, highlighting that disruption was not limited only to Dubai-based operations.

Saudi Arabia Airports Face Heavy Cancellation Pressure

Saudi Arabia recorded some of the highest cancellation figures among the affected airports and airlines.

At King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, passengers faced 59 delays and 31 cancellations, making it the airport with the highest cancellation count in the airport data. Jeddah is a critical gateway for international tourism, business travel and religious journeys, meaning schedule interruptions could affect a wide range of travellers.

At King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the country’s capital aviation hub, disruptions included 105 delays and 28 cancellations. Riyadh serves as a key centre for government, business and international connectivity, making operational delays particularly significant for time-sensitive travellers.

Saudi airlines also experienced disruptions. Saudia reported 30 delays and 46 cancellations, recording the highest cancellation figure among the airlines listed. flyadeal recorded 28 delays and nine cancellations, while Flynas reported 44 delays and three cancellations.

Wider Middle East Airports Also Report Operational Challenges

The disruption extended across several additional regional airports.

Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan recorded 48 delays and seven cancellations, affecting passengers travelling through Amman. Bahrain International Airport reported 36 delays and six cancellations, while Kuwait International Airport recorded 27 delays and five cancellations.

In Iraq, Erbil International Airport reported six delays and 10 cancellations, showing a higher cancellation ratio compared with delays.

Türkiye also experienced disruption through Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, which reported 96 delays and seven cancellations. Airline operations were affected as Pegasus Airlines recorded 96 delays and eight cancellations.

Smaller Saudi airports also faced cancellations. Gizan Regional Airport reported 30 cancellations despite no recorded delays, while Najran Domestic Airport recorded 17 cancellations without reported delays.

Airlines Most Affected Across the Middle East Aviation Network

The disruption data shows that both full-service and low-cost carriers operating across the Middle East were impacted.

Among airlines, Emirates recorded the highest number of delays with 206, reflecting the pressure experienced at Dubai International Airport. Etihad Airways followed with 124 delays, while Air Arabia recorded 111 delays.

Other major airline disruptions included:

• Qatar Airways: 99 delays and four cancellations
• Pegasus Airlines: 96 delays and eight cancellations
• Flydubai: 85 delays and eight cancellations
• Flynas: 44 delays and three cancellations
• Saudia: 30 delays and 46 cancellations
• Royal Jordanian: 27 delays and seven cancellations
• flyadeal: 28 delays and nine cancellations

The figures indicate that disruption affected multiple aviation markets rather than a single airport or airline, creating wider challenges for regional connectivity.

What Affected Passengers Should Do Now

• Passengers travelling through affected Middle Eastern airports should take immediate steps to manage potential disruptions and reduce travel difficulties.
• Travellers should first check the latest flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport. With delays and cancellations affecting multiple carriers, schedules may change quickly.
• Passengers facing cancellations should contact their airline’s customer support channels to understand available options, including rebooking on alternative services or receiving updated travel arrangements.
• Travellers with connecting flights should allow additional time between journeys, especially when passing through major hubs such as Dubai International Airport, Riyadh and Jeddah. Delays at major transit airports can affect onward connections across international routes.
• Passengers should also keep essential travel documents, medication and important personal items in hand luggage whenever possible, particularly during periods of widespread disruption.

Middle East Aviation Disruption Highlights Pressure on Regional Connectivity

The current disruption across Middle Eastern airports and airlines demonstrates the importance of the region’s interconnected aviation network. With major hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah serving millions of international passengers, operational issues can quickly influence regional and global travel flows.

With 705 delays and 168 cancellations recorded across the listed airports, passengers are advised to remain alert, monitor airline updates and prepare for possible schedule changes while travelling through the affected Middle Eastern aviation network.

Data Verification Notice

The Data is extensively curated by me with figures derived from Flightaware dated 19 July 2026, 1:21 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