Flights Cancelled Across Saudi Arabia As Jeddah, Abha, Gizan, Riyadh, And More Cancel 116 And Delay 257, Grounding Saudia, Qatar Airways, And Others

Written By: Ryan Rashid

Ryan Rashid

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July 19, 2026 2:24 AM |

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Thousands of travelers remain grounded as Saudi Arabia faces massive disruptions, with the wider regional security situation remaining tense.
257 flights were delayed and 116 were cancelled across the country’s busiest airports, with King Khalid in Riyadh recording the highest delays while Gizan saw the largest cancellations. Saudia emerged as the airline most heavily affected, followed by flyadeal, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai. Other airports experiencing operational disruption include King Abdulaziz in Jeddah, Abha Regional, Najran Domestic, and Gizan Regional, as airlines continue adjusting schedules in response to the evolving circumstances.

• King Khalid in Riyadh was the worst-hit airport for delays with 127 delayed flights.
• Gizan Regional recorded the highest number of cancellations with 38 flights cancelled.
• Saudia was the most disrupted airline, accounting for 88 cancellations and 53 delays.

What Is Causing Disruptions In Saudi Arabia Today?

Ongoing military exchanges between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis continue to create uncertainty across parts of the Kingdom’s airspace, prompting airlines to adjust schedules as a precaution.

The escalations have kept aviation authorities and airlines on heightened alert.

Saudi officials said Houthi forces launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting the civilian airport in Abha, while the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of striking the main airport in San’a, alleging the attack prevented a flight carrying their delegation from returning after attending the funeral of Iran’s slain leader.

The cycle of retaliatory strikes has raised concerns over aviation safety in the region, leading airlines to make operational adjustments while monitoring developments closely.
Interest in Saudi Arabia’s role in the US-Iran conflict is also growing, driving a surge in searches for “iran attack saudi arabia”

Most Disrupted Airports

King Khalid

Riyadh’s King Khalid recorded 127 delays and 30 cancellations, making it the country’s busiest airport for disrupted flights. Flynas, flyadeal, and Saudia accounted for the largest share of delayed operations.

King Abdulaziz

Located in Jeddah, King Abdulazaziz reported 110 delays and 28 cancellations. Saudia, flyadeal, and Flynas experienced the highest number of disruptions, with additional delays affecting airlines including Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai.

Gizan Regional

Gizan Regional experienced the country’s highest cancellation count, recording 38 cancelled flights. Saudia was the most affected carrier.

Abha Regional

Abha Regional handled 20 delayed flights and 2 cancellations. Most delays involved flyadeal and Flynas, while the airport also saw disruption to Qatar Airways, and Jazeera Airways services.

Najran Domestic

Operations at Najran Domestic were affected entirely by cancellations, with 18 flights cancelled

Airlines Facing The Most Cancellations

Saudia

Saudia remained the airline under the greatest operational pressure, recording 88 cancellations and 53 delays across the affected airports. The carrier was heavily impacted in Riyadh, Jeddah, Najran, and Gizan.

flyadeal

flyadeal registered 54 delays and 12 cancellations, making it the second most affected airline overall. The airline experienced disruptions across Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, and Gizan.

What Should Affected Passengers Do?

• Check your airline’s latest flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Allow extra travel time, particularly if travelling through airports such as King Khalid or King Abdulaziz, where schedules remain fluid.
• Stay alert for airline notifications regarding gate changes, delays, or rebooking options.
• Keep essential medicines, chargers, travel documents, and valuables in your carry-on baggage.
• If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline promptly to explore alternative flights or refund options.
• Monitor official airport and airline announcements as operating conditions may continue changing.

Overview of Flight Cancellations And Delays

Flight disruptions continue to affect passengers travelling through Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Najran, and Gizan as airlines work to maintain safe operations amid the evolving regional security situation. Saudia, flyadeal, Flynas, FlyDubai, Qatar Airways, and Jazeera Airways all experienced varying levels of disruption, with schedule adjustments extending across both domestic and international services.
Although King Khalid recorded the highest number of delays, operational changes have spread across several Saudi cities, reflecting the continuing impact of heightened regional tensions. With airlines continuing to monitor the situation closely, passengers travelling to or through Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, and Gizan are advised to expect possible schedule changes while checking directly with their carriers for the latest updates.

Data Verification Notice

The Data is extensively curated by me with figures derived from Flightaware dated 18th July 4:24 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