Travelers Stranded in Saudi Arabia and UAE including Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Dubai with 15 Cancellations and 516 Delays Impacting Saudia, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, and More Airlines at King Abdulaziz, Khalid, Fahd, Dubai Airports

Published on December 30, 2025

Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Dubai, Middle East – As the Middle East continues to serve as a major aviation hub, travelers at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International in Riyadh, King Fahd International in Dammam, and Dubai International are experiencing significant delays and cancellations in recent days. The travel chaos comes at a time of heightened passenger volume, further exacerbating the situation for those relying on these critical transportation hubs.

According to the latest data, over 500 flight delays and 15 cancellations have been recorded across these four major airports. The combined impact of these disruptions has left thousands of passengers stranded, especially during the busy holiday and business travel periods. As authorities scramble to address the situation, many passengers have been left frustrated, facing long waits and limited flight options.

Aviation Chaos: King Abdulaziz and King Khalid Leading with the Highest Delays

The worst-hit airport in the region is King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, which recorded 113 delays and 5 cancellations in a single day. With its strategic location serving as a hub for international flights, particularly to Asia, Europe, and North America, these disruptions have had a far-reaching impact, affecting both domestic and international travel. The massive number of delays represents 24% of total flights scheduled for the day, leaving many travelers in a state of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh reported 99 delays and 4 cancellations, further contributing to the overall disruption. Although the situation at King Khalid is slightly less severe, the cumulative delays have significantly impacted Saudi travelers, many of whom rely on this airport for key regional flights.

These disruptions are also felt by business travelers who use these airports for connecting flights to the GCC region and beyond. The ripple effect extends well beyond Saudi Arabia, as flights to international destinations are often delayed or re-routed.

King Fahd and Dubai International: Smaller But Significant Impact

At King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, 34 delays and 4 cancellations were recorded, representing a 12% delay rate for the day. While less severe than the issues at King Abdulaziz or King Khalid, the situation at King Fahd is still a cause for concern. As one of the busiest airports in the Eastern Province, many passengers have faced extended wait times due to the knock-on effects from the other major airports.

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international airport, saw a staggering 270 delays and 2 cancellations on a recent busy travel day. With a delay rate of over 24%, Dubai’s global status as a key international hub for connections to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas makes these delays especially problematic. Although the Dubai International Airport continues to operate at a high capacity, passengers are feeling the impact as the congestion continues to build up at the airport.

The delays, cancellations, and travel disruptions are compounded by the region’s high traffic volumes and weather-related challenges, especially at airports located near coastal regions. The Dubai Airports Authority has yet to provide an official statement on the ongoing issue, but reports suggest operational constraints due to staff shortages, air traffic control congestion, and the global surge in flight traffic.

Impact on Passengers: Stranded and Frustrated

For many travelers, these delays have caused significant disruptions to both personal and business travel plans. Passengers have reported long queues at check-in counters, limited communication from airline representatives, and a lack of available rebooking options. While some airlines have made efforts to address the issues by offering alternative routes or compensating delayed passengers, many travelers are still stuck at these airports, scrambling for information.

At King Abdulaziz International, passengers waiting for connecting flights faced long hours of uncertainty as their original flight plans were derailed. In some cases, passengers were forced to adjust their travel schedules to account for the multiple delays and cancellations. Similarly, travelers at King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and Dubai International have also struggled with limited customer support and long wait times for rescheduled flights.

Airlines and Airports Scramble to Restore Normal Operations

In response to these disruptions, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), FlyDubai, Air Arabia, and other regional carriers have been working with airport authorities to manage the situation and reduce delays. Saudia, which is based at King Abdulaziz and King Khalid airports, faced the brunt of the cancellations and delays, with 56 delayed flights and 2 canceled. The airline has pledged to assist affected travelers with rebooking and has also promised compensation for those stranded due to cancellations.

Dubai Airports, meanwhile, has been collaborating with air traffic control and ground handling services to restore operations, though recovery times remain uncertain. FlyDubai, the airline operating from Dubai International, has faced 24% delays, with the majority of issues affecting flights traveling to regional destinations.

Government and Industry Response

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced that they are investigating the cause of the significant disruptions. According to an official statement from the authority, GACA is committed to improving operational efficiency at the country’s major airports and addressing the challenges posed by air traffic congestion. They have also emphasized their ongoing collaboration with airlines and airport management to expedite flight operations.

Similarly, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing disruptions and has urged passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport. The DCAA is also working with Dubai Airports to manage the surge in passenger traffic and ensure that flights depart on time moving forward.

Looking Ahead: What Passengers Can Expect

While these disruptions are likely to continue for the immediate future, both airport authorities and airlines are working to clear backlogs and return to normal operations. However, passengers are advised to plan accordingly, allowing extra time for check-in and security checks. Travelers are also encouraged to check their flight status regularly and remain patient as the situation unfolds.

It is expected that the Middle East aviation hubs will continue to see heavy passenger traffic in the coming weeks, especially with the ongoing holiday season and high demand for both leisure and business travel. For now, all eyes are on GACA and Dubai Airports to restore order and alleviate the stress on travelers caught in this wave of delays and cancellations.

Final Thoughts: The Ongoing Struggles of Global Travel

As air travel continues to face challenges around the world, the Middle East’s major airports must contend with increased traffic and a complex set of operational issues. These disruptions serve as a reminder of the logistical challenges airports and airlines face in managing high-volume travel periods.

For passengers flying through King Abdulaziz, King Khalid, King Fahd, and Dubai International, the frustration is palpable. With airlines and airport authorities working to resolve the situation, the hope is that these disruptions will soon come to an end. However, until then, travelers should remain prepared for potential delays and cancellations as the region’s aviation industry works towards stabilization.