Thousands of Passengers Stuck in Asia as Royal Jordanian, Gulf Air, FlyDubai, Saudia, Emirates and Iran Air Face 29 Cancellations, Causing Travel Chaos Across Baghdad, Bahrain, Dubai and others

Published on December 11, 2025

Thousands of passengers are facing major disruptions across Asia and the Middle East as Royal Jordanian, Gulf Air, FlyDubai, Saudia, Emirates, and Iran Air report a combined total of 29 cancellations in the past 24 hours. The cancellations, which have affected key routes from Baghdad, Bahrain, and Dubai to major international destinations, have left travellers stranded in overcrowded terminals. The sudden flight disruptions have been attributed to severe weather conditions and operational issues, creating chaos for holidaymakers and business travellers alike. As the travel industry enters its peak season, the ripple effect of these cancellations is significantly impacting tourism and travel plans. Passengers are urged to check flight statuses regularly and stay informed about alternate arrangements as airlines work to rebook and accommodate those affected.

These cancellations have disrupted tourism flows, especially in the run-up to the holiday season. Thousands of passengers have found themselves at the mercy of long queues at check-in counters, rebooking desks, and baggage claims, as airlines work tirelessly to accommodate affected travellers. With business travellers, tourists, and families heading home for the festive season, the effects of this disruption are reverberating throughout the industry. Below is a detailed look at the cancelled flights, the cause of disruptions, key affected destinations, and impact on tourism.

Flight Cancellations: Affected Airlines and Key Routes

Royal Jordanian

Royal Jordanian has been significantly impacted, with several of its flights grounded due to operational challenges and weather disruptions:

• RJA811 – Baghdad International (BGW) to Queen Alia International (AMM) – Thu 05:10AM +03
• RJA431 – Queen Alia International (AMM) to Aleppo International (ALP) – Thu 05:50AM +03
• RJA432 – Aleppo International (ALP) to Queen Alia International (AMM) – Thu 08:10AM +03
• RJA81 – Queen Alia International (AMM) to Al Maktoum International (DWC) – Fri 07:10AM +03
• RJA82 – Al Maktoum International (DWC) to Queen Alia International (AMM) – Fri 12:40PM +04

The cancellations primarily stem from severe weather patterns affecting airspace and ground operations in both Baghdad and Amman. Passengers on these routes experienced delays in securing rebookings or refunds, with many having to extend their stay in the airports due to limited options.

Gulf Air

Gulf Air flights have also been hit by weather disruptions, notably in Bahrain and Singapore:

• GFA165 – Bahrain International (BAH) to Singapore Changi (SIN) – Thu 12:05AM +03
• GFA166 – Singapore Changi (SIN) to Bahrain International (BAH) – Thu 08:10PM +08

As a result of ongoing storms and high winds in the Persian Gulf region, Gulf Air’s services to Singapore were heavily delayed and cancelled. Passengers experienced inconvenience with many unable to fly for at least 24 hours, causing a ripple effect on business travel and tourism in the region.

FlyDubai

FlyDubai, a key regional carrier, has seen significant flight interruptions due to severe weather conditions:

• FDB267 – Dubai International (DXB) to Larestan International (LRR) – Thu 10:10AM +04
• FDB268 – Larestan International (LRR) to Dubai International (DXB) – Thu 12:00PM +0330
• FDB1113 – Dubai International (DXB) to Damascus International (DAM) – Thu 01:35PM +04
• FDB1114 – Damascus International (DAM) to Dubai International (DXB) – Thu 05:10PM +03

These cancellations were caused by strong winds and poor visibility in both Dubai and Damascus, affecting travelers seeking to reach these vital business hubs. The cancellation of these flights has led to increased uncertainty for tourists wishing to explore Dubai and Syria, as well as disruptions to scheduled events.

Saudia

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has also been deeply affected by weather challenges:

• SVA737 – Allama Iqbal International (LHE) to King Khalid International (RUH) – Wed 09:00PM PKT
• SVA1710 – al-Baha Domestic (ABT) to King Khalid International (RUH) – Wed 11:30PM +03
• SVA320 – Cairo International (CAI) to King Khalid International (RUH) – Wed 11:45PM EET
• SVA803 – Shahjalal International (DAC) to King Abdulaziz International (JED) – Fri 02:00AM +06
• SVA1911 – King Khalid International (RUH) to Ta’if Regional (TIF) – Thu 11:30PM +03

Saudia flights have been significantly disrupted due to strong storms in the Middle East, especially in Riyadh and Jeddah. The airline has implemented rebooking policies to assist passengers, but the disruption has delayed the year-end travel plans for many.

Emirates

Emirates, known for its extensive global network, also faced major cancellations affecting long-haul routes and regional services:

• UAE9865 – Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Al Maktoum International (DWC) – Thu 02:45AM CST
• UAE191 – Dubai International (DXB) to General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) – Thu 07:35AM +04
• UAE9848 – Al Maktoum International (DWC) to Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) – Thu 11:30AM +04
• UAE193 – Dubai International (DXB) to General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) – Thu 02:40PM +04
• UAE192 – General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) to Dubai International (DXB) – Thu 01:45PM WET
• UAE9849 – Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN) to Al Maktoum International (DWC) – Fri 12:40AM CST
• UAE194 – General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) to Dubai International (DXB) – Thu 08:55PM WET

Emirates flights experienced delays due to foggier conditions in Lisbon, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Passengers on these routes were stranded in several cities, leading to massive disruptions in both tourism and business travel for the holiday season.

Iran Air

Iran Air, with its key services between Istanbul and Tehran, was significantly impacted by regional weather disruptions:

• IRA768 – Istanbul Airport (IST) to Imam Khomeini International (IKA) – Wed 11:05PM +03
• IRA719 – Imam Khomeini International (IKA) to Istanbul Airport (IST) – Thu 08:30AM +0330
• IRA778 – Tabriz International (TBZ) to Heydar Aliyev International (GYD) – Thu 11:35AM +0330
• IRA718 – Istanbul Airport (IST) to Imam Khomeini International (IKA) – Thu 01:40PM +03
• IRA769 – Imam Khomeini International (IKA) to Istanbul Airport (IST) – Thu 05:50PM +0330
• IRA779 – Heydar Aliyev International (GYD) to Tabriz International (TBZ) – Thu 07:50PM +04

These cancellations were primarily the result of weather systems affecting operations between Iran and Turkey, with heavy fog and low visibility making it unsafe for flights to operate.

Passenger Impact: Affected Travelers Left Stranded

The ongoing weather disruptions have significantly affected travellers. Thousands of passengers across Middle Eastern and Asian airports are facing extended delays, with many unable to rebook until additional capacity becomes available.

• Stranded passengers have been forced to seek alternative accommodations while airlines process rebooking requests.
• Airport congestion at hubs like Dubai, Bahrain, and Riyadh has created a ripple effect throughout the region, with passengers scrambling to reach their destinations before the holiday season peaks.

Impact on Tourism: Seasonal Disruption Looms

The cancellation of critical flights has impacted tourism during the year-end travel peak:

• Tourist flows to and from the Middle East and Asia have slowed, with many holidaymakers stranded at airports and unable to make it to their intended destinations in time for festivities.
• In destinations like Dubai, Singapore.
• The cancellations have led to delayed arrivals of tourists attending major business conferences and festivals in Riyadh, Dubai, and Jeddah.

Conclusion: A Turbulent Path Ahead for Middle Eastern and Asian Travelers

The disruption of numerous flights by Royal Jordanian, Gulf Air, FlyDubai, Saudia, Emirates, and Iran Air has highlighted the challenges airlines face in managing weather-induced interruptions. While passenger rebookings and refunds are underway, the holiday travel chaos is far from over. Tourism in the region will also feel the ripple effects, particularly as key holiday destinations witness delayed travel schedules and operational backlogs. Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses and follow the latest advice from their airlines and airport authorities.

Source:- FlightAware and Diffrerent Airports