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.
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: