Middle East flight disruptions continue as hundreds of services cancelled and delayed
Escalating regional tensions have caused major travel disruption across the Middle East, with more than 180 flights cancelled and over 1,200 delayed at major airports including Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Kuwait City.
Thousands of air travellers across the Middle East have faced significant disruption as escalating regional tensions triggered widespread flight cancellations and delays at major airports. According to flight tracking data, at least186 flights were cancelledand more than1,200 delayedacross airports in theUnited Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Türkiye, Jordan and Egypt, as airlines adjusted operations amid ongoing security concerns and airspace restrictions. Dubai recorded the highest number of delays, while airports in Saudi Arabia experienced the largest number of cancellations. Regional tensions disrupt air travelThe latest disruption follows another night of military escalation after the United States reportedly carried out further strikes on Iran, with Tehran responding by targeting facilities linked to US allies in the Gulf. Authorities in Kuwait reported damage to infrastructure, including power generation and desalination facilities, prompting increased operational caution across the region’s aviation sector. Although airports remain open, airlines continue to reroute flights, suspend services and revise schedules as the security situation evolves. Major airports affectedSeveral of the region’s busiest aviation hubs have experienced heavy disruption:Dubai International Airportrecorded more than330 delayed flightsand multiple cancellations. Hamad International Airportin Doha reported more than130 delays. Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airportsaw over120 delaysand a dozen cancellations. Kuwait International Airportexperienced more than100 delayed flights. King Khalid International Airportin Riyadh recorded one of the highest cancellation totals in the region. Airlines hit hardestSeveral leading carriers have been affected by the disruptions. Saudiarecorded the largest number of cancellations, with around 90 flights cancelled across its domestic and regional network. Emiratesreported the highest number of delayed flights, whileEtihad Airways,Qatar Airways,Pegasus Airlines,FlyDubai,Air Arabia,Flynas,Jazeera AirwaysandEgyptAiralso experienced operational disruption. Advice for travellersPassengers travelling through the Middle East are being urged to:Check flight status before leaving for the airport. Allow extra time for check-in and security. Monitor airline notifications for schedule changes. Contact airlines immediately if flights are cancelled or significantly delayed. Carry essential medication, chargers, travel documents and overnight necessities in hand luggage. With the security situation continuing to evolve, airlines have warned that further schedule changes remain possible over the coming days. Source:FlightAware data and airline operational updates.