Hundreds and Thousands of Passengers Stranded Across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and More As Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai Cancel 937 and Delay 40 Flights Disrupting Travel in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, Dubai, Riyadh and Others

Published on March 2, 2026

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The ongoing travel chaos in the Middle East has left thousands of passengers stranded, with major Middle Eastern airports grappling with severe delays and flight cancellations. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai, four of the most prominent carriers operating in the region, have been forced to cancel or delay a significant number of flights, leaving many passengers in limbo. Key airports such as Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) are experiencing overcrowded terminals and confusion, as passengers scramble to get information on when they can proceed with their travels.

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Dubai International Airport (DXB) Faces Severe Disruptions

Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest airports, has been hit hard by these disruptions. As a hub for Emirates and FlyDubai, both of which operate numerous international routes, the airport is facing extensive cancellations and delays. Many long-haul flights have been grounded, leading to a massive backlog of passengers. The disruption is especially critical for travellers from Istanbul, Vienna, Moscow, Doha, and Bucharest, all of which rely on DXB for connecting flights.

• Destinations Affected:
  • Istanbul
  • Vienna
  • Moscow
  • Doha
  • Bucharest
  • Minsk
  • Penang
  • Belgrade
  • St. Petersburg (Pulkovo)
  • Bergamo (Orio al Serio)
• Airlines Affected:
  • Emirates
  • FlyDubai
• Passenger Impact:
  • Long queues at check-in counters and security, leading to delayed rebookings.
  • Many passengers facing delays of several hours, or flights that have been completely cancelled without prior notice.
  • Limited options for rerouted passengers, especially those connecting through other airports.
• Travel Advisory:
  • Passengers are advised to check flight statuses frequently using Emirates or FlyDubai apps or official websites.
  • Stay connected with airline customer support to get updated information and rebooking options.
  • For those facing significant delays, temporary accommodation and meal vouchers are being offered.

DXB’s usual seamless operations are now at a standstill, with passengers reporting frustration over the lack of timely communication from airlines. The airport is also dealing with the massive task of handling rerouted passengers as global air travel continues to be affected by severe disruptions.

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) Struggles with Etihad Airways Cancellations

Just down the road, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), another major regional hub, has also been severely impacted. Etihad Airways, the UAE’s flagship carrier, has grounded several high-profile flights, particularly those to Europe and Asia, causing considerable delays for passengers hoping to visit destinations like Paris, Vienna, Kochi, and Chennai. The disruption has created major congestion at the airport, with long lines for rebooking and minimal support for affected passengers.

• Destinations Affected:
  • Paris
  • Jaipur
  • Kochi
  • Chennai
  • Cochin
  • Vienna
  • Zurich
  • Charles de Gaulle (Paris)
• Airlines Affected:
  • Etihad Airways
• Passenger Impact:
  • Significant delays in rebooking flights with minimal communication on new flight options.
  • Confusion over cancellations as affected passengers struggle to get accurate details regarding their next steps.
  • Many travellers unable to continue their journeys due to limited availability of connecting flights.
• Travel Advisory:
  • Check flight status and receive updates via Etihad Airways’ website or app.
  • Contact Etihad Airways directly for assistance with rebooking or to explore compensation options.
  • Passengers are advised to arrive early at the airport if rebooked on new flights to allow extra time for any unforeseen delays.

Despite Etihad Airways offering support through meal vouchers and hotel accommodations for affected passengers, the overall experience has left many travellers dissatisfied with the lack of transparency in flight operations.

Hamad International Airport (DOH) Sees Qatar Airways Cancel Flights to Major Destinations

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar’s aviation hub, is facing similar issues, with Qatar Airways announcing the cancellation of several international flights due to the ongoing disruptions. Affected routes include flights to Vienna, London Gatwick, and Dusseldorf. Passengers relying on DOH as a transit hub are now stranded, with limited options to reach their final destinations. The airport is struggling to manage the high volume of rerouted passengers, causing additional stress for those who were hoping to catch connecting flights.

• Destinations Affected:
  • Sharjah
  • Vienna
  • Dusseldorf
  • London Gatwick
  • Brussels
  • Copenhagen
  • Zurich
  • Stockholm
  • Madrid
  • Prague
• Airlines Affected:
  • Qatar Airways
• Passenger Impact:
  • Long delays in securing new bookings or getting information on cancelled flights.
  • Stranded passengers facing overcrowded terminals, with limited seating and services.
  • High volume of passengers unable to reach their final destinations without significant rebooking delays.
• Travel Advisory:
  • Check your flight status through Qatar Airways’ app or the official website to stay informed about cancellations or delays.
  • Stay in contact with airline representatives for rebooking assistance and new flight schedules.
  • If stranded, passengers are urged to look for temporary accommodation at the airport or nearby hotels.

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ): Qatar Airways and FlyDubai Hit by Widespread Cancellations

At Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), which primarily serves FlyDubai and Qatar Airways flights, the travel chaos has been equally severe. Qatar Airways and FlyDubai flights from SHJ to Doha, Dubai, Minsk, and Belgrade have been either delayed or cancelled, causing long waiting times for passengers at the airport. Many passengers have found themselves stranded at SHJ with no clear indication of when they will be able to continue their journey.

• Destinations Affected:
  • Doha
  • Dubai
  • Minsk
  • Belgrade
  • Bucharest
• Airlines Affected:
  • Qatar Airways
  • FlyDubai
• Passenger Impact:
  • Limited rebooking options, leading to significant waiting times and uncertainty for affected travellers.
  • Crowded terminals as passengers try to find alternative flights.
  • Some travellers facing additional delays as they wait for available seats on rerouted flights.
• Travel Advisory:
  • Regularly check flight statuses through Qatar Airways or FlyDubai apps for updates.
  • Contact the airlines’ help desks for assistance with rebooking or hotel accommodation.
  • Consider alternative travel routes through nearby airports if your journey is significantly delayed.

King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh Faces Cancellations and Delays

At King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, passengers flying FlyDubai have encountered widespread cancellations. Flights from RUH to Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, London, and Moscow have been grounded, causing frustration and confusion for passengers who were planning to fly through this hub. With limited options to secure new flights, many passengers are seeking guidance from airport staff, who are overwhelmed by the volume of affected travellers.

• Destinations Affected:
  • Dubai
  • Doha
  • Istanbul
  • London
  • Geneva
  • Moscow
• Airlines Affected:
  • FlyDubai
• Passenger Impact:
  • Long delays in rebooking and finding alternative travel options.
  • Crowded airports, with limited resources available to assist passengers.
  • Passengers left uncertain about the next steps in their journey due to flight cancellations.
• Travel Advisory:
  • Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status via the FlyDubai website or app before heading to the airport.
  • If facing delays or cancellations, contact FlyDubai customer support directly for immediate rebooking assistance.
  • Stay patient and remain in contact with airport staff for updates and support.

General Travel Advisory for Affected Middle Eastern Airports:

For anyone travelling through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, or Riyadh, it’s essential to be aware of the ongoing travel disruptions. Here are key travel tips to navigate the current chaos:

1. Stay Updated on Flight Statuses:
   • Frequent checks via airline apps, websites, or flight tracking services are essential to avoid arriving at the airport without a confirmed flight.
2. Contact Airlines Directly:
   • For rebooking assistance, compensation information, or hotel stay inquiries, contact airlines directly.
3. Prepare for Delays:
   • Due to high volumes of cancellations, expect long waiting times for rebooking and other services.
4. Accommodation and Meal Vouchers:
   • Affected passengers may be eligible for temporary accommodation and meal allowances. Ensure you ask for these services if you are stranded.
5. Travel Insurance:
   • If you have travel insurance, ensure that you file a claim for compensation due to the delays and cancellations.

Conclusion:

The Middle East continues to experience significant travel disruptions across major airports like DXB, AUH, DOH, SHJ, and RUH. Thousands of passengers are facing severe delays and cancellations, and while airlines and airport staff are doing their best to manage the situation, flexibility and patience are crucial during these challenging times. Travellers should stay proactive, keep up with real-time updates, and prepare for extended delays as global aviation struggles to return to normal.