UAE
Middle East Aviation Disruption: 91 Flights Cancelled as Delays Hit UAE and Saudi Hubs
By 19Network Editorial Team · Jun 3, 2026 · 2 min read
91 flights cancelled and 157 delayed across UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, impacting Emirates, flydubai, and Saudia services.
A major disruption in regional aviation has led to the cancellation of 91 flights and delays for another 157 services across the Middle East. The operational backlog has left hundreds of passengers stranded at key international hubs, including Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Kuwait City, impacting both short-haul regional routes and long-haul international connections. Major Airlines Face Operational Delays The disruption heavily impacted the UAE’s primary carriers, Emirates and flydubai, alongside Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia. According to flight tracking data and regional airport reports, the cancellations hit routes connecting the Gulf to major European cities, including London, Paris, and Hamburg. Passengers at Dubai International (DXB), the world’s busiest international airport, faced significant wait times as ground teams managed the ripple effects of the schedule changes. In addition to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, airports in Kuwait and Bahrain reported a surge in delayed departures. The 157 documented delays have caused a logistical strain on terminal facilities, with airlines working to rebook passengers on alternative flights. While the specific cause of the mass…