Published on
October 9, 2025
Travel chaos in Saudi Arabia as 13 flights cancelled, disrupting travel to Turkey, India, Kuwait, UAE, and more, amid heavy rain delays and passenger frustration. The severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, have caused significant operational disruptions at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. These storms have led to cancellations and delays, affecting not only domestic flights but also international connections to key destinations in the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. Passengers are facing considerable inconvenience as airlines scramble to manage rebooking and rescheduling in the midst of continuing weather challenges.
In a significant travel disruption at Saudi Arabia’s airports, 13 flights were cancelled today, severely affecting passengers bound for international destinations such as Turkey, India, Kuwait, the UAE, and more. This incident comes amid a series of adverse weather conditions, with heavy rains causing operational delays and airport closures across the Kingdom. The delays and cancellations have created a ripple effect, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers worldwide.
The cancellations and delays predominantly stem from unforeseen weather conditions at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. These airports, among the busiest in Saudi Arabia, have seen significant disruptions as a result of the storms, affecting flights to key international hubs in the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe.
Cancelled Flights at King Fahd International Airport, Dammam: A Breakdown
King Fahd International Airport (DMM), located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, witnessed major disruptions today. A total of 5 flights were cancelled at the airport, affecting passengers traveling to destinations including Turkey, India, Kuwait, and other parts of the Middle East. Here’s a breakdown of the cancelled flights:
- Saudia: 5 flights cancelled, representing 10% of cancellations.
- IndiGO: 1 flight cancelled, which accounted for 10% of delays.
- Pakistan International Airlines: 1 flight cancelled, representing 20% of cancellations.
- Air Sial: 1 flight cancelled, comprising 25% of cancellations.
The cancellations predominantly involved Saudia, the Kingdom’s flagship carrier, which had several domestic and international departures grounded. Passengers travelling on the following routes were directly impacted:
- SVA1115 (A320): King Abdulaziz International (JED) – Departing Friday at 04:00 PM.
- SVA1107 (A320): King Abdulaziz International (JED) – Departing Friday at 10:00 AM.
- SVA1117 (A320): King Abdulaziz International (JED) – Departing Thursday at 06:00 PM.
- SVA1109 (A320): King Abdulaziz International (JED) – Departing Thursday at 12:00 PM.
These cancellations, among others, have been attributed to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, resulting in compromised visibility and poor flying conditions. Passengers have reported being stranded at the airport for hours, adding to the overall frustration.
Delays and Cancellations at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah
Similarly, King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) faced significant disruptions today. A total of 17 delays and 8 cancellations were recorded, primarily affecting international flights to destinations such as Turkey, India, Kuwait, UAE, and more. Below is a detailed overview of the cancellations:
- Saudia: 6 cancellations, contributing to 1% of overall cancellations.
- Akasa Air: 2 cancellations, contributing to 33% of the total cancellations.
- Air India Express: 1 cancellation, making up 33% of delays.
- Etihad Airways: 2 cancellations, contributing to 25% of cancellations.
- Flyadeal: 1 cancellation, which forms 1% of the delay percentage.
- Gulf Air: 1 cancellation, comprising 12% of cancellations.
- Garuda Indonesia: 1 cancellation, contributing to 25% of the total delays.
- Flynas: 2 cancellations, making up 1% of the overall delay.
Detailed Cancellations at King Abdulaziz International (Jeddah)
The following are some of the key cancelled departures from Jeddah:
- SVA1116 (A320): King Fahd International (DMM) – Departing Friday at 01:00 PM.
- SVA1108 (A320): King Fahd International (DMM) – Departing Friday at 07:00 AM.
- SVA1118 (A320): King Fahd International (DMM) – Departing Thursday at 03:00 PM.
- PGT695 (A321): Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) – Departing Thursday at 02:30 AM.
Other notable cancellations include multiple departures to Cochin International (India) and Istanbul Airport (Turkey). These cancellations have led to flight delays, with many passengers being rebooked on alternate routes, further adding to the operational complexity.
Effect of Adverse Weather on Operations
The root cause of the delays and cancellations can be traced back to the intense rainfall, which has affected visibility and operational readiness at the airports. Storms have been particularly severe in the region, causing multiple disruptions to regular flight operations. With both airports relying on strict safety protocols, flights were either delayed or outright cancelled to ensure passenger safety.
Additionally, the storm conditions have caused significant congestion on the ground, with passengers being advised to stay within the airport terminals. Long queues have been reported at customer service desks, as airlines scramble to accommodate delayed passengers on later flights.
The following international destinations were directly affected:
- Turkey (Istanbul and Sabiha Gokcen): Several flights from both airports in Saudi Arabia were delayed or cancelled due to adverse weather.
- India (Cochin, Ahmedabad, Mumbai): Flights operated by various international airlines such as Akasa Air and Air India Express were cancelled, leaving passengers stranded.
- Kuwait: Flights from Jeddah and Dammam to Kuwait International Airport were affected, including cancellations on Saudia.
- UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Although less affected, there were delays on flights between Jeddah and the UAE.
Impact on Passengers and Airlines
The operational challenges at both King Fahd and King Abdulaziz airports have not only disrupted travel plans but also strained the airlines involved. Saudia, in particular, saw the majority of cancellations, with its multiple daily flights to major regional and international destinations impacted. Affected passengers are left with no immediate alternatives, as the airline works to rebook passengers on later flights.
Several airlines, including Akasa Air, Etihad Airways, and Flyadeal, have issued formal apologies to their passengers and have worked to accommodate them by rebooking them on other available flights. However, the cancellations have triggered a wave of frustration among those unable to find available seats in the short term.
Today’s events highlight the vulnerabilities of the aviation industry, particularly in regions prone to seasonal weather disruptions. The ripple effects of these delays will likely be felt for days to come, as airlines work to address the backlogs created by cancellations and rescheduling.
As severe weather conditions continue to affect flight operations, travellers planning to fly from King Fahd International or King Abdulaziz International airports should remain vigilant. It is recommended that passengers check with their airlines regularly for updates and explore all available options for rebooking. The aviation sector must continue to adapt to these challenges, ensuring that they provide a high level of service even under extreme conditions.
Travel chaos in Saudi Arabia as 13 flights cancelled, disrupting travel to Turkey, India, Kuwait, UAE, and more, amid heavy rain delays and passenger frustration. Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and poor visibility, have caused widespread flight cancellations and delays at King Fahd International and King Abdulaziz International airports, severely impacting both domestic and international travel.
While these disruptions are temporary, the long-term impact on Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector will depend largely on how effectively airlines and airports manage operational hurdles in the coming weeks. Until then, passengers should expect delays, cancellations, and possible disruptions to their international travel plans.
