Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia Face Major Travel Disruptions As 778 Flights Delayed And 62 Canceled, Stranding Thousands Of Passengers Across Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, And More

Published on December 30, 2025

Turkey, UAE, and Saudi Arabia are facing major travel disruptions as 778 flights are delayed and 62 canceled, stranding thousands of passengers across key airports in Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, and beyond. These widespread delays and cancellations have caused severe disruptions for travelers in the region, particularly during the peak holiday season. Operational challenges, weather conditions, and increased air traffic congestion at major hubs like Dubai International, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen, and King Abdulaziz International have exacerbated the situation, leaving passengers facing long waits and uncertainty.

The Middle East witnessed significant flight disruptions yesterday as a combination of operational, weather, and security-related challenges left thousands of passengers stranded across key airports in Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Airlines including Saudia, Air Arabia, Flydubai, Israir, and Pegasus Airlines were among the hardest hit, with 778 flights delayed and 62 canceled. Major hubs like Dubai International (DXB), Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), and King Abdulaziz International (JED) saw extensive delays and flight cancellations that impacted thousands of travelers.

A Growing Crisis at Key Middle Eastern Airports

The most severe disruptions were reported at Dubai International (DXB), Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW), and King Khalid International (RUH). With the holiday travel season in full swing, these delays and cancellations are causing significant headaches for passengers trying to return home or connect to international flights. The ripple effect spread to smaller airports like Diyarbakir (DIY) and Mardin (MQM), where delays and cancellations also took place, further exacerbating the situation.

Dubai International, one of the busiest airports globally, reported 4 cancellations and 415 delays, accounting for 30% of its scheduled flights. Passengers flying with Emirates, Flydubai, and Air Arabia were particularly affected. The situation at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen airport was no less severe, with 32 cancellations and 402 delays, including significant disruptions for airlines like Pegasus and Saudia.

King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah also saw numerous delays, with 88 flights delayed by 19%. A significant portion of these delays was caused by heavy passenger traffic, compounded by logistical and weather issues. Diyarbakir and Mardin, both in Turkey, experienced smaller but still substantial disruptions, with some flights cancelled due to operational issues.

Impact on Airlines

The airlines flying through these airports were hit hard by the disruptions. Several regional carriers had to ground flights, causing significant inconvenience for passengers, especially during the busy travel period. Saudia Airlines, Air Arabia, Flydubai, and Israir were some of the airlines that reported the highest number of delays and cancellations across the Middle East region. These airlines, with their extensive networks connecting the Middle East to various global destinations, were forced to adjust schedules, stranding passengers who had already checked in and were on their way to catch connecting flights.

In addition to the flight disruptions, many passengers reported long wait times for rebooking and limited assistance from airline staff due to the high volume of affected travelers.

Airports Affected

Here is a breakdown of some of the major airports in the region that were impacted:

Dubai International (DXB), as one of the busiest airports in the world, had a massive 30% of its flights delayed, with around 213 flights delayed, and 4 flights canceled. Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) faced a similar crisis, where 17 flights were canceled, and 203 were delayed, comprising an alarming 46% of its total departures. These delays affected travelers not only from Turkey but also from other regions, with numerous international connections compromised.

Airlines Affected

The disruption across the Middle East was not limited to a few regional carriers. Airlines from various countries, including those based in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, experienced delays and cancellations. The following airlines were notably impacted:

Saudia, the flagship carrier of Saudi Arabia, experienced a notable number of delays, affecting over 90 flights in total. Similarly, Flydubai and Air Arabia, both based in the UAE, were heavily impacted, causing disruptions for passengers traveling to Dubai or beyond. Regional low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines also faced considerable setbacks, with over 370 delayed flights and 37 cancellations.

Israir, an Israeli carrier, was also among the hardest hit, particularly at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen, where it had to cancel 5% of its scheduled departures.

Why Was the Middle East Hit So Hard?

The reasons for the disruptions across the Middle East are multifaceted. A mix of operational delays, weather-related issues, and increased air traffic congestion contributed to the widespread chaos. The Middle East, with its dense networks of international and regional flights, saw a significant strain on both airport and airline capacity, especially during peak travel times.

The ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has also led to a surge in demand for air travel, but infrastructure and operational preparedness have struggled to keep pace. In many cases, airlines had to cancel flights because of a shortage of available planes or crew, as travel demand far exceeded the capacity of many regional airports.

Additionally, weather-related challenges, such as poor visibility or turbulence, could have been factors in the delays at airports like Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen and King Abdulaziz International. The pressure on ground services and logistical operations during peak hours further exacerbated the issue.

Passenger Reactions and Assistance

The major airlines and airports have been working to assist the stranded passengers by offering rebooking, compensation, and other services, though passengers have reported varying levels of support. Some travelers have had to wait for hours or even overnight in airports to get information or be rebooked onto alternative flights. The frustration among passengers is palpable, with many complaining about a lack of clear communication and limited customer service due to the overwhelming volume of affected passengers.

The Broader Impact on Middle Eastern Aviation

These disruptions are a stark reminder of the challenges that still face the aviation industry, even as it recovers from the pandemic. The Middle East, being a global travel hub, is particularly sensitive to flight delays and cancellations, as many international travelers transit through airports like Dubai, Istanbul, and Jeddah. The region’s major airlines, such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Saudia, rely heavily on operational efficiency to maintain their global networks.

Moreover, the recent spike in delays and cancellations is likely to affect the reputation of some of these carriers, especially if the disruptions continue for several days. For tourists and business travelers alike, reliability is a key factor in choosing airlines, and an uptick in such delays may prompt travelers to reconsider their options in the future.

Turkey, UAE, and Saudi Arabia are facing major travel disruptions, with 778 flights delayed and 62 canceled, stranding thousands of passengers across airports in Dubai, Istanbul, and Jeddah due to operational issues and high passenger traffic during the busy travel season.

As the Middle East continues to grapple with ongoing flight disruptions, thousands of travelers remain stranded across key airports. The significant delays and cancellations at major airports like Dubai International, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen, and King Abdulaziz International highlight the strain on regional aviation infrastructure. Airlines, including Saudia, Flydubai, and Pegasus Airlines, have been at the forefront of these disruptions, leaving passengers facing long waits and uncertainty. While efforts are being made to mitigate the issues, passengers are still feeling the brunt of this aviation crisis. The next few days will be crucial for resolving the backlogs and restoring normal operations across the region.