Passengers Stranded Across Istanbul, Jeddah, and Dubai Airports as Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, Emirates, Saudia, and Qatar Airways Face 253 Delays and 16 Cancellations, Severely Jolting Travel

Published on December 18, 2025

Major airports in the Middle East and Europe have been hit by significant disruptions, with a total of 253 flights delayed and 16 cancelled over recent days. Istanbul Airport (IST), King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), and Dubai International Airport (DXB) were the hardest hit. The delays and cancellations have not only caused major inconveniences for passengers but also impacted air traffic and tourism in the region. The cancellations, affecting destinations such as London, Paris, Dubai, and Medina, have sparked concerns among travelers.

Istanbul Airport (IST): 35 Delays, 2 Cancellations

Istanbul Airport, a major hub for Turkish Airlines, faced two cancellations, both from Iranian National Airlines and a significant number of delays. Turkish Airlines was the most affected, with 27 delayed flights, contributing significantly to the overall delays. International travelers flying from Istanbul to cities like Paris and London were among the hardest hit. The delays were primarily caused by operational issues, including poor weather conditions and congestion, which delayed air traffic.

Flight Cancellations and Delays at Istanbul Airport

Airlines Affected at Istanbul Airport

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED): 34 Delays, 3 Cancellations

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah experienced 34 delays and 3 cancellations, primarily affecting local carriers such as Saudia and FlyDubai. Passengers traveling on these flights were mainly headed to destinations like Dubai and Cairo. These disruptions were mainly attributed to operational issues such as air traffic control delays and aircraft maintenance. The airport’s heavy traffic also contributed to the delays.

Flight Cancellations and Delays at King Abdulaziz Airport

Airlines Affected at King Abdulaziz Airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB): 184 Delays, 16 Cancellations

Dubai International Airport was the worst hit, with 16 flight cancellations and 184 delays. Airlines such as Pakistan International Airlines and FlyDubai had significant cancellations, while Emirates, a major carrier at DXB, contributed to a large portion of the delays. The primary causes were severe weather conditions, which led to operational delays, coupled with increased demand for flights during the holiday season. Affected destinations included London, Paris, and New York, leaving passengers stranded or delayed for hours.

Flight Cancellations and Delays at Dubai International Airport

Airlines Affected at Dubai International Airport

Impact on Passengers

The delays and cancellations caused widespread disruptions across key destinations, such as Paris, London, New York, and Cairo. Passengers have reported long waiting times at check-in counters, while many have faced missed connections or rescheduled flights. The ripple effect of these delays has been felt in the local tourism industries, as fewer tourists are reaching their desired destinations on time. Airlines have provided limited assistance, leading to frustration among travelers who have experienced cancellations without sufficient compensation or support.

Key Causes of Delays and Cancellations

Several factors contributed to the widespread flight disruptions. Severe weather conditions in the region, particularly heavy fog and storms, caused poor visibility and high winds, making it difficult for aircraft to land or take off on time. Additionally, the sheer volume of air traffic at these major airports, combined with operational issues such as maintenance delays, added to the already strained air traffic system. These disruptions coincide with peak travel times, further compounding the challenges faced by passengers.

Overview

The recent disruptions at Istanbul, King Abdulaziz, and Dubai airports have highlighted vulnerabilities in the air travel system, especially during periods of peak demand. As more passengers return to air travel, airport authorities and airlines must take proactive measures to address the underlying causes of delays and cancellations. Meanwhile, affected passengers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for updates and consider alternative arrangements where possible. Despite the challenges, there is hope that air travel will stabilize as operations resume.

(Data Source: FlightAware)