Passengers Stuck Across the Middle East, Including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Lebanon, and More, as 310 Flights Are Delayed and 24 Cancelled by Saudia, FlyDubai, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and More, Causing Chaos in Beirut, Istanbul, Dubai, Riyadh, and Beyond

Published on December 29, 2025

A travel nightmare has unfolded across the Middle East, with 310 flights delayed and 24 cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in major cities like Beirut, Dubai, Riyadh, and Istanbul. Key airlines such as Saudia, FlyDubai, Emirates, and Etihad Airways are at the heart of the chaos, struggling to manage the mounting disruptions. The situation has left travellers bewildered, frustrated, and uncertain about their journey ahead.

Here’s a deep dive into what’s causing this massive disruption and what passengers can expect in the coming days.

Unprecedented Delays Across Major Airports

King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia): A Hotspot of Chaos

At Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, 26 flights delayed and 6 cancelled, causing huge frustration for travellers heading to destinations across the globe. Many passengers have reported waiting for over 12 hours with little to no information from airline staff. The airline’s efforts to rebook passengers have been slowed by limited availability on alternative flights, leaving some travellers stranded for extended periods.

With Saudi Arabia’s key international connections affected, this disruption has not only left passengers in Riyadh waiting but has also sent ripple effects across the region. The lack of communication has made the situation worse, with many travellers feeling abandoned at one of the busiest airports in the Middle East.

Istanbul: The European and Asian Gateway Under Siege

Istanbul Airport has become a battleground for thousands of passengers affected by flight cancellations and delays. With 105 delays and 7 cancellations, the city’s airport, one of the busiest in the world, is in turmoil. With delays affecting both local and international flights, passengers trying to catch connecting flights to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have found themselves stuck, often missing critical connections.

Despite the airport’s efforts to resolve the situation, passengers have been forced to face long queues and a lack of information. The wait time has left many anxious about their chances of getting rebooked and continuing their travel plans.

Dubai International Airport: A Hub of Frustration

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic, has seen a significant ripple effect from the disruptions. With 179 delays and 7 cancellations, passengers have experienced hours-long waits as they attempt to find solutions to their disrupted travel plans. Many international flights departing from Dubai to various destinations in Europe, Asia, and Africa have faced significant delays due to air traffic congestion and ongoing technical difficulties.

As the delays snowball, passengers are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of proactive communication from the airlines. What’s worse is the complete uncertainty of when they can expect to board another flight. The ripple effect has been far-reaching, with travellers unable to make crucial connections to other parts of the globe.

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport: A Smaller Scale, But Still Disastrous

Although the delays and cancellations at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport have been less severe compared to other airports, the impact has still been significant. With 4 cancellations recorded, passengers have faced similar challenges as their counterparts in Dubai and Riyadh. Although Lebanon’s airport wasn’t hit as hard, those stuck in Beirut were left stranded with limited options to rebook their flights. The disruption has affected travellers who were scheduled to fly from Beirut to various destinations, including Dubai, Riyadh, and Istanbul.

The Passenger Experience: Chaos, Confusion, and Uncertainty

For travellers stranded at airports across the Middle East, the experience has been one of confusion, frustration, and uncertainty. With limited flight options and a lack of reliable information, many passengers have turned to social media to share their stories of frustration. In many cases, they’ve expressed feelings of being abandoned by both their airlines and the airports.

As the crisis continues, passengers are advised to regularly check with their respective airlines for updates regarding their flight statuses. Most major airlines have established customer service teams to assist with rebooking and provide accommodation for stranded travellers. However, with ongoing issues affecting air traffic control, weather conditions, and aircraft availability, it remains unclear when the situation will be fully resolved.

What Can Passengers Do?

Stay Updated:

Airlines are issuing regular updates on their websites and social media platforms, so it’s crucial to stay informed. Passengers should keep a close eye on their email inboxes and flight status updates to avoid being caught off guard.

Consider Alternative Transport:

Where possible, passengers may want to explore other forms of transport, such as buses or trains, to their destination, especially if they are travelling to a nearby city.

Contact Customer Service:

While customer service representatives are overwhelmed, passengers should continue to reach out to airlines for rebooking or compensation options. Persistence may be key to getting faster results.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead for Recovery

The travel chaos across the Middle East is far from over, with hundreds of flights still delayed and many passengers waiting to be rebooked. Saudia, FlyDubai, Emirates, and Etihad Airways are all working around the clock to manage the crisis, but with such a high volume of affected travellers, the road to recovery is likely to be long.

For now, passengers must be patient and prepared for further disruptions. With limited flights available and crowded airports, it remains to be seen when normal operations will be restored. Passengers are encouraged to stay vigilant and keep in touch with airlines for updates, while airlines must continue working hard to resolve the issue and restore trust among their customers.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware