Travellers Stranded Across the Middle East as Saudia, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, FlyDubai and EgyptAir Ground 19 Flights with Over 100 Delays, Disrupting Routes Across Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait

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Travellers are now facing severe disruption across the region. Travellers stranded across the Middle East are experiencing widespread chaos as Saudia, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, FlyDubai and EgyptAir ground operations. As a result, 19 flights are cancelled and over 100 delays continue to disrupt schedules. Meanwhile, this situation is actively disrupting routes across Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait.

Moreover, airlines are struggling to maintain operational stability amid mounting pressure. Travellers stranded across the Middle East are dealing with uncertainty, missed connections and extended waiting times. In addition, airport congestion is rising rapidly as delayed departures pile up. Consequently, Saudia, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, FlyDubai and EgyptAir are facing operational bottlenecks. Furthermore, the grounding of 19 flights with over 100 delays is intensifying disruption across Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait. Therefore, passengers must remain alert as conditions continue to evolve across the Middle East aviation network.

Affected Cities and Airports

The disruption spans several major aviation hubs across the Middle East, directly impacting key cities and their primary airports. In Saudi Arabia, operations are affected at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport, and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, all of which serve as critical domestic and international gateways. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai International Airport in Dubai is also experiencing notable delays and cancellations, further intensifying regional travel pressure. Additionally, in Kuwait, Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait City is witnessing operational strain, contributing to the broader disruption. Together, these cities—Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, Dubai, and Kuwait City—form a vital aviation corridor in the Middle East, and the ongoing flight grounding and delays across these airports are significantly impacting passenger movement and connectivity across the region.

Flight Cancellations

Overview of Flight Cancellations

As of April 12, 2026, the flight cancellation data highlights a region-wide but uneven disruption across major Middle Eastern airports, with varying intensity depending on airline operations and airport capacity. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh records the highest number of cancellations, where Saudia cancels 5 flights, though the cancellation rate remains low at 1%, reflecting the airport’s high traffic volume. Similarly, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudia cancels 4 flights with a modest 1% rate, indicating contained disruption despite operational pressure. In Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport, cancellations are more fragmented, with Kuwait Airways Corporation, Gulf Air and Saudia each cancelling one flight, but with rates reaching up to 25%, signalling a sharper proportional impact. Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport sees FlyDubai cancel 4 flights at a 2% rate, pointing to moderate disruption. The most severe proportional impact is observed at Kuwait International Airport, where EgyptAir records a 100% cancellation rate and Kuwait Airways cancels 2 flights at 15%, highlighting concentrated operational strain.

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 ongoing disruption across Middle Eastern airports highlights a fragile operational balance under pressure. While total cancellations remain relatively limited, the concentration of delays and high cancellation rates at select hubs reveal deeper inefficiencies. Major carriers such as Saudia, FlyDubai and Kuwait Airways are managing significant strain, particularly across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait. Consequently, passengers continue to face uncertainty, missed connections and extended travel times. Therefore, airlines must enhance coordination and contingency planning to stabilise operations. As travel demand remains strong, resolving these disruptions quickly will be critical to maintaining passenger confidence and regional aviation reliability.

Source: FlightAware