Travelers Grounded in Turkey as Royal Jordanian, Iran National Airlines, Tunisair, and Turkish Airlines Experience 7 Cancellations and 359 Delays, Impacting Major Airport in Istanbul

Published on January 9, 2026

Travelers grounded in Turkey faced significant disruptions as Royal Jordanian, Iran National Airlines, Tunisair, and Turkish Airlines reported 7 cancellations and 359 delays at a major airport in Istanbul. The ripple effect of these setbacks created chaos for thousands of travelers, forcing many to remain stranded at the airport for hours. The disruptions came at a time when many were preparing to catch flights to various international destinations. Istanbul Airport, one of the busiest in the world, was severely impacted by these events. The cancellations and delays caused frustration, confusion, and inconvenience for passengers, as well as massive logistical challenges for the airlines involved. The situation drew attention to the operational challenges that can arise in major airports, especially during peak travel times. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and remain prepared for potential further disruptions.

Affected Cities and Airports

The Istanbul as the major airport affected by the cancellations and delays. The airlines involved, including Royal Jordanian (from Amman, Jordan), Iran National Airlines (from Tehran, Iran), Tunisair (from Tunis, Tunisia), and Turkish Airlines (based in Istanbul, Turkey), serve a wide range of international routes. Istanbul Airport, a major hub in Turkey, is experiencing significant disruptions due to the 7 cancellations and 359 delays caused by these airlines. The table highlights the far-reaching impact of these travel disruptions across multiple cities and countries.

Flight Cancellations

Affected Airlines

The several prominent airlines that are currently facing disruptions. Royal Jordanian represents Jordan, with its flights impacted by the delays and cancellations. Iran National Airlines is the flag carrier of Iran, also experiencing significant flight issues. Tunisair, the national airline of Tunisia, is similarly affected, alongside Turkish Airlines, the largest airline in Turkey. These airlines are all part of the ongoing disruptions at Istanbul Airport, with Royal Jordanian, Iran National Airlines, Tunisair, and Turkish Airlines each reporting cancellations and delays, leaving travelers grounded and causing a ripple effect on operations.

Overview of Flight Cancellations

The 7 flight cancellations across several airlines, which have caused significant disruptions at Istanbul Airport. These cancellations have involved Royal Jordanian, Iran National Airlines, Tunisair, and Turkish Airlines.

1. Royal Jordanian: With 2 cancellations, the airline has been forced to ground some of its flights, affecting travelers headed to and from Jordan. The cancellations likely resulted in delays for those passengers, causing them to adjust travel plans at short notice.
2. Iran National Airlines: The flag carrier of Iran has reported 3 cancellations. These disruptions have left passengers stranded or forced to make last-minute changes to their itineraries, impacting both domestic and international travel to and from Iran.
3. Tunisair: Tunisair has seen 1 flight cancellation, affecting travelers traveling to and from Tunisia. As with the other airlines, passengers were impacted by the sudden change in their flight schedules, requiring them to find alternative arrangements.
4. Turkish Airlines: Despite being one of the largest carriers at Istanbul Airport, Turkish Airlines had 1 cancellation. Although a single cancellation might seem minimal compared to the others, Turkish Airlines is a key player in the Turkish aviation sector, and even one cancellation can have significant operational and passenger impact.

These cancellations collectively represent a significant portion of the airport’s operations, affecting international travel routes and causing ripple effects across other flights. Passengers affected by these cancellations were left with limited options for rescheduling, further contributing to the chaos at the airport.

What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide

Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:

Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.

Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.

Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.

Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.

Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.

The flight cancellations and delays at Istanbul Airport have caused considerable disruption for travelers, particularly those flying with Royal Jordanian, Iran National Airlines, Tunisair, and Turkish Airlines. The impact of 7 cancellations and 359 delays has affected both local and international passengers, leading to confusion, frustration, and logistical challenges at the airport. As the situation unfolds, travelers are advised to stay updated with their airline’s latest information. These disruptions highlight the vulnerability of even the busiest airports, emphasizing the need for effective contingency plans during peak travel times.

Source: FlightAware and affected airports