Passengers Trapped in Saudi Arabia and UAE as 12 Flights Canceled and 130 Delays by Saudia, Egypt Air, Etihad, Air Arabia, Qatar and more Airlines, Disrupting Travel across Riyadh, London, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and others

Published on December 24, 2025

In a major blow to air travelers across the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have witnessed severe travel disruptions, with 12 flights canceled and 130 delays affecting passengers on popular routes from Riyadh, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, and London. The global carriers involved in the chaos, including Saudia, EgyptAir, Etihad, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and others, have left thousands of travelers stranded at key airports, trying to figure out when they’ll be able to board their flights.

With the holiday season in full swing and airports already buzzing with the usual Christmas travel rush, these disruptions have thrown a wrench into the plans of business travelers, vacationers, and families eager to reunite for the holidays. This widespread delay and cancellation incident has turned airports like King Khalid International in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah, Abu Dhabi International, and London Heathrow into hubs of frustration and confusion.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves: Cancellations and Delays Across Key Airports

London Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in the world, was not immune to this chaos, with 5 cancellations and 23 delays affecting travelers bound for the Middle East. In Riyadh, King Khalid International faced the worst of the disruption, with 4 flights canceled and 30 delays clogging up the terminal. In Abu Dhabi, just one flight was canceled, but 37 delays caused further strain on the system. Meanwhile, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport saw 2 cancellations and 40 delays, wreaking havoc on the tightly packed holiday schedules.

These statistics represent just a fraction of the ongoing travel disaster, with hundreds more flights throughout the region facing delays of varying lengths. The ripple effect has spread beyond airports in the Middle East, impacting travelers with connecting flights, and long-haul journeys, leaving them scrambling for alternative plans.

What Went Wrong? Causes of the Flight Disruptions

With so many airlines involved in the mass delays and cancellations, it’s essential to understand what caused this widespread disruption. Weather-related issues, operational challenges, and staff shortages appear to be the primary culprits, but some reports also hint at logistical challenges at airports dealing with an increased number of passengers.

The weather in the region, particularly dense fog and low visibility, also played a role, especially at airports like Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which reported frequent delays for both arrivals and departures. Additionally, staff shortages have hampered the smooth flow of operations at several key airports, compounding the delays.

Rebooking, Compensation, and Rights for Passengers

If you’re one of the many frustrated passengers affected by this chaos, here are a few things you can do:

1. Stay Updated: Continuously check your airline’s app or website for any changes to your flight’s status. Many airlines will update their information in real-time.
2. Contact Customer Service: While the wait times are long, contacting your airline’s customer service or going to the help desk at the airport is crucial for securing rebooking or compensation.
3. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your airline’s cancellation and delay policies. Most airlines offer compensation or reimbursement for delays longer than 3 hours.
4. Accommodation and Meals: Airlines may also provide vouchers for food and hotel stays if you are stranded overnight. Be sure to ask about these options.

Holiday Travel in Chaos: The Ripple Effect

The timing of this disruption couldn’t be worse. With the holiday season in full swing, millions of travelers were depending on these flights to reach family, attend events, or go on vacations. The Christmas rush already creates challenges for airlines, but these delays and cancellations have turned what should have been a time of joy into a logistical nightmare.

Airports like King Khalid International and King Abdulaziz International were already facing heavy foot traffic, and the additional delays have only made the situation worse. Long lines, crowded terminals, and confused passengers trying to figure out their next move have made airport conditions difficult, to say the least.

For families, especially those with young children, the situation has been doubly challenging. The uncertainty of when and how they will be able to continue their journey has added a layer of stress and anxiety to what should have been a joyful occasion.

How to Navigate the Chaos: Tips for Affected Passengers

1. Plan for Extra Time: If you’re traveling in the coming days, expect delays. Make sure to arrive at the airport well in advance, as you may need additional time to navigate long lines or rebook your flight.
2. Stay Calm and Be Patient: Airlines and airport staff are doing their best to handle the situation. Remaining calm and patient will help everyone involved.
3. Check Alternative Routes: If rebooking on your original airline is not feasible, check alternative airlines or nearby airports. Consider taking a train, bus, or even a rental car if you are in a time crunch.
4. Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check with your provider for compensation or reimbursements for delays, cancellations, or hotel stays.

Conclusion: Will the Chaos End Soon?

As passengers continue to endure this travel nightmare, the hope is that normal operations will soon resume. While airlines have promised to make things right, the damage has already been done for many travelers who will face unplanned delays and expenses.

For now, travelers are urged to stay informed, keep calm, and be prepared for further disruptions as airlines and airports continue to recover from the fallout of this massive disruption. While the road to smooth travel may take time, there’s hope that operations will return to normal sooner rather than later.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware