Travel Disruptions in the Middle East Including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and more as 220 Flights Delayed and 9 Canceled by FlyDubai, Emirates, Saudia, Gulf Air and others, Trapping Passengers across Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai, and beyond

Published on December 31, 2025

In what can only be described as a travel nightmare, the Middle East is grappling with widespread flight delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers. Airlines such as FlyDubai, Emirates, Saudia, Gulf Air, and others have been hit with disruptions, leaving travelers stranded at major airports like Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai, and Bahrain. With 220 flights delayed and 9 canceled, the chaos is far-reaching, and it’s not just a minor inconvenience—it’s a full-blown travel crisis. Here’s what passengers need to know about the ongoing disruption and what they can do to survive the turmoil.

Dubai: The Epicenter of the Chaos

Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest airports in the world, is bearing the brunt of this disruption. A staggering 101 flight delays and 2 cancellations have wreaked havoc at DXB, as FlyDubai and Emirates struggle to maintain their schedules. With more than 50 million passengers passing through the airport each year, delays of this magnitude have caused widespread frustration.

At DXB, travelers have been left scrambling to find alternative flights, rebook tickets, and—perhaps most frustratingly—wait for hours without clear communication from airlines. The airport has become a scene of chaos, with long queues at customer service counters and passengers wondering when their flights will finally take off.

Emirates, the flagship carrier, has been particularly affected, with dozens of international flights delayed due to operational challenges. For many passengers, their travel plans have been completely upended, as the airline struggles to get flights back on track.

Jeddah and Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Airports Strain Under Pressure

Not far behind Dubai in terms of disruption are King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. In Jeddah, there were 49 delays and 2 cancellations, while Riyadh experienced 21 delays and 3 cancellations. The primary airline affected in these cities is Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, which has struggled with maintaining its flight schedule due to unforeseen technical issues and a surge in demand.

Meanwhile, at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, passengers are enduring long waits and uncertainty as Saudia tries to address the delays. The frustration has been palpable, with many passengers expressing their dissatisfaction with the lack of timely information from airlines and airport authorities.

Abu Dhabi and Bahrain: Smaller Airports Still Hit Hard

While the situation at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is slightly less severe, the 34 delays and 1 cancellation in Abu Dhabi, as well as 15 delays and 1 cancellation in Bahrain, are still significant disruptions for those traveling through these airports.

Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, has been affected by both weather-related delays and operational issues, leading to frustrated passengers stranded at the airport. Although the delays at BAH have been less extensive compared to DXB or JED, the smaller size of Bahrain’s airport has meant that the disruptions are felt even more acutely.

In Abu Dhabi, delays have been equally frustrating, with passengers from international flights seeing their schedules thrown off track. The lack of communication from the airlines has only amplified the situation, leaving travelers unsure of when they will finally be able to depart.

Impact on Passengers: The Struggles of the Stranded

For passengers affected by these delays, the situation has been nothing short of chaotic. Frustration, confusion, and anger have dominated airport terminals, as travelers wait for hours without knowing when their flights will depart. The long delays have caused missed connections, stranded families, and travelers missing important events.

Many passengers have been forced to find accommodation at the last minute or sleep in airport lounges, as their flights were delayed late into the night. The lack of clear communication from airlines has only exacerbated the situation. At Dubai International and Jeddah airports, passengers have reported zero updates from airline staff, leaving them feeling stranded and helpless.

Tips for Affected Travelers: What You Can Do

For travelers caught up in this mess, here are a few tips to help you navigate the chaos:

1. Stay Updated: Keep checking your flight status via your airline’s website or app. Most airlines offer real-time updates on cancellations and delays.
2. Contact the Airline: If you’re affected, contact customer service immediately. They can assist you with rebooking, compensation, or hotel accommodations.
3. Know Your Rights: Passengers are often entitled to compensation for significant delays or cancellations, so make sure to understand what you’re entitled to under the airline’s policy.
4. Check Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check your policy to see if you’re covered for delays, cancellations, or missed connections.
5. Prepare for Extended Waits: Given the severity of the disruptions, be ready for long delays. Pack extra snacks, entertainment, and essentials like medication to get through the wait.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Middle Eastern Travel

The travel chaos gripping the Middle East is expected to continue for the next few days, as airlines work to catch up on delayed flights and clear the backlog of stranded passengers. Passengers are urged to stay informed and remain patient as airlines scramble to restore normal schedules. While these disruptions have been challenging, they also underscore the need for better communication and preparedness from airlines and airports in handling such large-scale disruptions.

As the region’s aviation industry works through these issues, travelers can only hope that these disruptions will soon be behind them, allowing them to resume their travels. For now, the key to surviving this chaos is staying informed, flexible, and patient as the situation continues to unfold.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware