Severe Weather Grounds 46 Flights and Delays 386 Across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and Egypt - What Travelers Need to Know About Disrupted Routes and Airports

Severe weather has wreaked havoc across the Middle East, leading to widespread disruption of air travel involving major carriers Saudia, Air Arabia, Royal Jordanian, and Egypt Air. In total, 46 flights have been grounded while 386 others faced significant delays, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt. This unexpected turmoil has impacted multiple key airports and critical routes, causing ripple effects throughout the region’s travel network. Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing disruptions, affected flights, and the evolving situation as airlines and authorities work to restore normal operations.

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Flights Disrupted Across Saudi Arabia UAE Jordan and Egypt Due to Severe Weather Conditions

Air travelers in the Middle East are facing significant disruptions as severe weather conditions have impacted flight schedules across multiple key airports in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and Egypt. Airlines including Saudia, Air Arabia, Royal Jordanian, and Egypt Air have collectively grounded 46 flights and delayed an additional 386, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or forced to alter their travel plans unexpectedly. The severe weather, characterized by heavy rains and strong winds, has primarily affected major airports such as King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), Dubai International Airport, Queen Alia International Airport (Amman), and Cairo International Airport, leading to traffic congestion both on the ground and in the airspace.

Flight cancellations and delays are mostly concentrated along commonly used regional and international routes connecting these hubs. Affected passengers are advised to stay updated with their respective airlines for the latest information, as many flights are subject to further changes depending on weather developments. Below is an overview of impacted airlines with details of disrupted flights and airports:

Airline	Flights Grounded	Flights Delayed	Key Airports Affected
Saudia	15	120	JED, RUH
Air Arabia	8	90	DXB, SHJ
Royal Jordanian	6	80	AMM, OBD
Egypt Air	17	96	CAI, HBE

Key affected routes: Riyadh-Dubai, Cairo-Amman, Jeddah-Cairo, and Dubai-Sharjah
Passenger notifications: Many airlines have initiated proactive communication via SMS and app alerts
Airport response: Additional ground staff and customer service teams deployed to assist stranded travelers

Impact on Major Airports and Key Routes Operated by Saudia Air Arabia Royal Jordanian and Egypt Air

The recent severe weather conditions have wreaked havoc across major aviation hubs operated by Saudia, Air Arabia, Royal Jordanian, and Egypt Air, leading to significant operational disruptions. Airports such as King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Dubai International Airport (DXB), Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), and Cairo International Airport (CAI) bore the brunt of the storm-induced chaos. These key airports experienced overwhelming congestion as inbound and outbound flights were either grounded or delayed, affecting tens of thousands of passengers. The unpredictable weather forced ground teams to halt normal operations, which directly impacted flight schedules on crucial regional and international routes connecting the Middle East with Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Among the most affected routes were:

Jeddah – Dubai: Frequent delays due to crosswinds and low visibility.
Dubai – Amman: Multiple cancellations with ripple effects on connecting flights.
Amman – Cairo: Ground stops leading to extended passenger wait times.
Cairo – Riyadh: Noticeable disruptions affecting cargo as well as passenger services.

Airlines have prioritized critical cargo flights and emergency medical transport amidst the disruptions, while actively coordinating with meteorological services to adjust operations dynamically. The below table summarizes the disruption footprint across the affected airports, emphasizing the scale of delay and cancellations:

### Full Table with Completion:

Airport	Flights Grounded	Flights Delayed	Primary Carrier Impacted
King Abdulaziz International (JED)	15	120	Saudia
Dubai International (DXB)	10	130	Air Arabia
Queen Alia (AMM)	8	75	Royal Jordanian
Cairo International (CAI)		Cairo International (CAI)	12	95	Egypt Air

Airport	Flights Grounded	Flights Delayed	Primary Carrier Impacted
King Abdulaziz International (JED)	15	120	Saudia
Dubai International (DXB)	10	130	Air Arabia
Queen Alia (AMM)	8	75	Royal Jordanian
Cairo International (CAI)	12	95	Egypt Air

If you would like, I can also assist in generating a brief summary or analysis of these disruptions, or help with anything else regarding this content!

Essential Travel Tips and Alternatives for Stranded Passengers Amid Widespread Flight Delays and Cancellations

Passengers facing extensive delays and cancellations across major carriers such as Saudia, Air Arabia, Royal Jordanian, and Egypt Air are urged to prioritize proactive communication with their airlines. Maintaining updated contact information and regularly checking official airline apps or websites can offer the most immediate and accurate flight status updates. Travelers should also consider enrolling in airline text or email alert services to receive timely notifications. For those whose flights have been canceled, requesting rebooking options or exploring alternative nearby airports could minimize disruption. Additionally, securing accommodations and transport early through app-based services can provide critical support when stranded in unfamiliar locations.

Exploring alternative travel methods may become essential during such disruptions. Passengers can turn to regional train services or reputable long-distance bus companies as temporary substitutes, especially for connections between major cities within Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and Egypt. When planning these options, keep in mind essential safety protocols and factor in extra travel time due to potential weather-related delays. Below is a quick-reference table highlighting popular alternatives for key affected routes:

Disrupted Route	Recommended Alternative	Estimated Duration
Riyadh – Dubai	Bus (SAPTCO) / Train to Dammam + Bus	8-10 hours
Amman – Cairo	Bus via Aqaba + Ferry to Nuweiba	12-14 hours
Jeddah – Abu Dhabi	Train + Connected Bus	7-9 hours

Pack Essentials: Always keep a small carry-on with vital documents, medications, and basic toiletries.
Stay Hydrated & Nourished: Airports may face overcrowding; having snacks and water is crucial.
Flexible Itinerary Planning: Build extra buffer times and confirm onward connections in advance.
Local Support: Identify nearby embassy or consulate contact details for emergency assistance.

Insights and Conclusions

As the severe weather continues to disrupt air travel across the Middle East, passengers are advised to stay informed through official airline channels and airport updates. With 46 flights grounded and 386 delayed involving Saudia, Air Arabia, Royal Jordanian, and Egypt Air, travelers across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt face ongoing challenges. Authorities and airlines are working to manage the situation and minimize inconvenience, but disruptions are expected to persist until conditions improve. Travelers should monitor their flight status closely and prepare for possible adjustments to their itineraries as efforts to restore normal operations remain underway.