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 least 186 flights were cancelled and more than 1,200 delayed across airports in the United 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 travel
The 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 affected
Several of the region’s busiest aviation hubs have experienced heavy disruption:
- Dubai International Airport recorded more than 330 delayed flights and multiple cancellations.
- Hamad International Airport in Doha reported more than 130 delays.
- Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport saw over 120 delays and a dozen cancellations.
- Kuwait International Airport experienced more than 100 delayed flights.
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh recorded one of the highest cancellation totals in the region.
Airlines hit hardest
Several leading carriers have been affected by the disruptions.
Saudia recorded the largest number of cancellations, with around 90 flights cancelled across its domestic and regional network.
Emirates reported the highest number of delayed flights, while Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Pegasus Airlines, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Flynas, Jazeera Airways and EgyptAir also experienced operational disruption.
Advice for travellers
Passengers 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.