UAE and Saudi Arabia Airports in Chaos as FlyDubai, Saudia, Emirates, Egypt Air, Qatar Airways and more Cause 219 Delays and 6 Cancellations, Stranding Passengers across Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and beyond

Published on December 27, 2025

Travelers across the UAE and Saudi Arabia faced significant disruptions this week as major airlines, including FlyDubai, Saudia, Emirates, Egypt Air, and Qatar Airways, caused a total of 219 flight delays and 6 cancellations. Airports across the region, including Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Hail, were left in chaos, leaving passengers stranded and scrambling to figure out alternative travel arrangements.

The widespread disruptions have left thousands of passengers frustrated, confused, and stranded in airport terminals, with little information available about their delayed flights or potential rebooking options. This level of chaos has tested the resilience of airport staff, airline operations, and travelers alike.

The Impact at Key Airports

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai, the UAE’s busiest international gateway, was hit the hardest with FlyDubai experiencing 97 delays and 2 cancellations. As the region’s top airport, Dubai is a major hub for travelers connecting to destinations around the world. Passengers found themselves waiting for hours without clear information on departure times, causing frustration and confusion throughout the terminal.

King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh

In Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh experienced 29 delays and 1 cancellation, affecting passengers flying with Saudia and other international carriers. This disruption, particularly impacting travelers on key regional routes, compounded the travel woes for many who were already experiencing significant delays in Dubai.

King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah

At King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, Emirates and Saudia flights faced 54 delays and 2 cancellations, causing chaos at one of Saudi Arabia’s busiest airports. This disruption particularly affected those traveling for business or religious purposes, as Jeddah is a key gateway for pilgrims heading to Mecca and Medina.

Ha’il Regional Airport (HAS)

Although Ha’il Regional Airport (HAS) reported a relatively low number of disruptions, with only 4 delays and no cancellations, passengers at this airport still faced the ripple effects of the broader chaos that affected flights across the region.

Dammam International Airport (DMM)

Dammam, another important airport in the region, saw its own share of delays, with multiple flights experiencing issues. The lack of timely updates at Dammam left passengers feeling uncertain about their travel plans.

What Happened Behind the Delays and Cancellations?

While the exact reasons for these flight delays and cancellations have not been fully disclosed, a few factors seem to be at play. Weather conditions, such as sandstorms or poor visibility, are common in the region and can cause major disruptions at airports. Additionally, operational challenges like technical difficulties, staffing shortages, and airline scheduling issues seem to have compounded the situation, leading to the massive delays and cancellations.

These delays affected both domestic and international flights, causing a ripple effect that impacted passengers who were attempting to connect to other destinations, adding to the overall chaos.

How Passengers Are Coping with the Disruptions

For the affected travelers, the lack of clear communication from airlines and airport authorities has been one of the biggest challenges. In many cases, FlyDubai, Emirates, Saudia, and other airlines failed to provide timely updates, leaving passengers stranded at customer service desks for hours without much assistance. As the frustration grew, many passengers were left wondering whether they would make their connections or if they would be stuck in Dubai, Riyadh, or Jeddah for extended periods.

What Passengers Can Do

For passengers caught in the middle of this chaos, here are a few steps to take if you find yourself stranded due to delays or cancellations:

1. Stay Informed
   Constantly monitor your flight status using airline apps or websites to check for updates. If your flight is delayed or canceled, try to get the most recent information from the airline via their app, customer service phone line, or social media channels. Airlines may provide live updates regarding your new flight status.
2. Speak with Airline Representatives
   Be proactive in speaking with airline staff about your options. Although delays and cancellations are stressful, polite communication with staff can help expedite finding a resolution. Ask about rebooking, meal vouchers, or overnight accommodation if necessary.
3. Look for Alternative Flights
   If your flight is significantly delayed or canceled, see if you can get rebooked on a flight with another airline or a different time. Some airlines may have partnerships that allow them to transfer passengers to another carrier’s flight if they are unable to provide timely rebooking.
4. Use Travel Insurance
   If you have travel insurance, now is the time to reach out to your provider to inquire about compensation for delayed flights. Many insurance policies cover accommodation and meals if you are stranded for long periods due to a flight cancellation.
5. Check for Refunds or Travel Vouchers
   In many cases, airlines offer refunds or travel credits for disrupted flights. Make sure to check the airline’s policy on compensation, especially if the delay or cancellation is deemed to be within the airline’s control (such as staffing or maintenance issues).
6. Seek Accommodation
   If the disruption causes you to miss your connection or extend your stay, inquire with the airline about hotel accommodations. If the airline is unable to provide you with accommodation, consider booking a nearby hotel to rest and wait for the next available flight.

Moving Forward: Will This Be a Pattern?

While this week’s massive disruptions have tested the limits of passenger patience, it remains to be seen whether such large-scale flight delays and cancellations will continue to be a frequent issue for travelers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Airlines and airports in the region need to take a hard look at their operations, especially during peak travel periods like holiday seasons, and identify areas where improvements can be made.

As travelers continue to face uncertain skies and lengthy delays, it is clear that airlines must improve their communication strategies, on-time performance, and customer service protocols to better serve passengers in the future.

Source: Different airports and FlightAware