Published on
October 26, 2025
Travelers across the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain are facing major disruptions as Air Algerie, Saudia, Gulf Air, and several other airlines struggle with over 100 delays and 14 cancellations. This widespread issue has severely impacted flights in key cities such as Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Riyadh, Medina, and Bahrain. With many flights grounded or delayed for hours, passengers are left frustrated and uncertain about their travel plans. The situation is particularly challenging for those flying to and from these airports, as it affects both local and international routes. Airlines, including Air Algerie, Saudia, and Gulf Air, are working to manage the situation, but travelers are still facing significant inconvenience.
There have been 14 cancellations and 116 delays across multiple airports in the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. These disruptions have affected travelers on numerous airlines, including Air Algerie, Saudia, and Gulf Air, causing significant inconvenience and uncertainty for passengers heading to and from these regions.
Affected Cities and Airports
Several airports and their corresponding cities across the Middle East and North Africa. Istanbul Airport is located in Istanbul, Turkey; Abu Dhabi International Airport is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Sharjah International Airport is located in Sharjah, UAE; King Abdulaziz International Airport is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Khalid International Airport is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport is in Medina, Saudi Arabia; and Bahrain International Airport is in Manama, Bahrain. These airports serve as key hubs, connecting travelers from various parts of the world to the region.
Flight Cancellations
Affected Airlines
The airlines include Air Algerie, Pakistan International Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Saudia, and Gulf Air. Air Algerie operates flights from Istanbul Airport, while Pakistan International Airlines serves Abu Dhabi International Airport. US-Bangla Airlines operates from Sharjah International Airport, and Saudia is a major carrier at King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Khalid International Airport, and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport. Finally, Gulf Air serves Bahrain International Airport. These airlines play a significant role in connecting passengers to and from various destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
Overview of Flight Cancellations
- Istanbul Airport (Turkey) – Air Algerie experienced 2 cancellations, which is about 20% of its scheduled flights at the airport. This indicates a significant disruption to travelers, with a notable portion of flights being canceled.
- Abu Dhabi International Airport (UAE) – Pakistan International Airlines had 2 cancellations, representing 33% of its flights at this airport. The relatively high cancellation percentage reflects a considerable impact on passengers flying with this airline.
- Sharjah International Airport (UAE) – US-Bangla Airlines reported 2 cancellations, which constitutes 100% of its flights at this airport. This suggests a complete disruption of its operations in Sharjah, leaving passengers stranded or needing to make alternative travel arrangements.
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (Saudi Arabia) – Saudia had 2 cancellations, but this made up 0% of its total flights at this airport. This low percentage indicates that, while there were cancellations, they were not widespread across the airline’s overall operations at the airport.
- King Khalid International Airport (Saudi Arabia) – Similarly, Saudia reported 2 cancellations, accounting for 0% of its flights at this airport, showing that cancellations were limited compared to the total flight volume.
- Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (Saudi Arabia) – Saudia again had 3 cancellations, representing only 8% of its flights, a relatively minor percentage compared to the overall flight operations.
- Bahrain International Airport (Bahrain) – Gulf Air had 1 cancellation, representing 0% of its flights at the airport, suggesting minimal disruption.
- Total Cancellations: 2 (Istanbul), 2 (Abu Dhabi), 2 (Sharjah), 2 (King Abdulaziz), 2 (King Khalid), 3 (Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz), and 1 (Bahrain).
- Airlines Impacted: Air Algerie, Pakistan International Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Saudia, and Gulf Air.
- Highest Cancellation Rate: Sharjah International Airport, where 100% of US-Bangla Airlines’ flights were canceled.
While the number of cancellations at each airport varies, they reflect disruptions to travelers, particularly those flying with US-Bangla Airlines at Sharjah International Airport. Most cancellations were relatively low percentages, but the impact on affected passengers was still significant.
What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.
Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.
Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.
The flight cancellations and delays across various airports in the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have significantly impacted travelers. Airlines such as Air Algerie, Saudia, Gulf Air, and US-Bangla Airlines faced disruptions, with Sharjah International Airport seeing the highest cancellation rate. While the overall percentage of cancellations was relatively low at most airports, the situation highlights the vulnerability of air travel. Passengers are experiencing delays, inconveniences, and uncertainty, stressing the importance of better management and communication from airlines to minimize such disruptions in the future.
Source: FlightAware
Disclaimer: The information provided is sourced from FlightAware and airport websites. We do not guarantee its accuracy and have no intention to harm or malign any airlines. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact us at [email protected]
