Major Disruptions: Gulf Air, Saudia, Qatar Airways Cancel 85 Flights Impacting Key Routes Across Saudi Arabia and Beyond

Published on March 25, 2026

Saudi Arabia is currently facing significant disruptions in air travel, with 85 flights canceled across five major airports: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina, and Gizan Regional Airport. These cancellations have affected both domestic and international routes, creating challenges for travelers.

The canceled flights impact a variety of destinations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Cairo, Istanbul, London, Tashkent, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Dhaka, and several cities within Saudi Arabia, such as Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, Yanbu, al-Jouf, Qaisumah, Gurayat, Rafha, Arar, and Medina. The disruptions involve multiple airlines, including Gulf Air, Saudia, Qatar Airways, and others.

King Abdulaziz International Airport Cancellations

At King Abdulaziz International Airport, cancellations primarily affected Gulf Air flights to Bahrain, along with services from Saudia and Uzbekistan Airways. Key destinations impacted include:

• Bahrain
• Tashkent
• al-Jouf
• King Fahd
• Jinnah
• Shahjalal
• Hong Kong
• Hamad International Airport

Notably, most cancellations involved Gulf Air flights to Bahrain, while international routes to Hong Kong, Tashkent, and Doha were also disrupted. Various aircraft types, including A320, A321, and A21N, were grounded.

Riyadh Flight Disruptions

Flight disruptions at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh affected both domestic and international services. Airlines impacted include Gulf Air, Saudia, Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, and Egyptair. Key canceled routes include:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Cairo
• Istanbul
• Yanbu
• Mumbai
• King Abdulaziz International Airport

Domestic flights to al-Jouf, Qaisumah, Gurayat, Rafha, Arar, and Yanbu were also affected, with cancellations occurring throughout the day.

Dammam Airport Delays

Delays at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam were significant, with Gulf Air and Saudia flights to Bahrain, Cairo, and Alexandria among those canceled. The following points summarize the situation:

• Gulf Air A320/A321 aircraft were grounded on multiple Bahrain flights.
• Saudia flights to King Abdulaziz and King Khalid airports were canceled.
• International routes to Amsterdam and Cairo were also affected.

Most cancellations occurred during daytime departures, with early morning flights also impacted.

Medina International Flights Disrupted

Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport experienced cancellations affecting flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, and London Gatwick. Gulf Air and Kuwait Airways were the primary airlines involved. The cancellations largely affected:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• London Gatwick

Both early morning and evening departures were disrupted.

Gizan Regional Airport Impact

Gizan Regional Airport reported a single cancellation, specifically a Saudia flight to Riyadh on Thursday evening. This incident highlights the widespread nature of the disruptions, even affecting smaller regional airports.

Table of All Cancellations

Total cancellations: 85
Affected destinations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Cairo, Istanbul, London, Tashkent, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Dhaka, Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, Yanbu, al-Jouf, Qaisumah, Gurayat, Rafha, Arar, Medina.

Impact on Passengers

Travelers in Saudi Arabia are advised to verify their flight status before heading to the airport. The high volume of cancellations has disrupted both business and leisure travel, potentially affecting connecting flights. Airlines are working on rebooking and alternative arrangements, but passengers should anticipate extended wait times and possible delays.

Recommendations for travelers include:

• Check flight status directly with the airline.
• Allow extra time for transfers and connections.
• Monitor rebooking options and alternative arrangements.
• Prepare for potential delays on subsequent flights.

Analysis of the Cancellations

Recent patterns indicate that Gulf Air’s routes to Bahrain are the most heavily affected. Saudia’s domestic network across Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, and Gizan has also faced multiple suspensions. International routes to Cairo, Doha, London, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and Mumbai have been impacted as well. The most affected aircraft types include A320, A321, A20N, B738, B772, B789, and A359.

Operational challenges likely stem from aircraft availability, staffing issues, and scheduling conflicts affecting multiple airports simultaneously.

As reported by www.travelandtourworld.com.

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Published on 2026-03-25 19:31:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk