Travellers across the Middle East are facing unprecedented disruptions this week as regional tensions reach a boiling point. Saudi Airlines has suspended key routes and left thousands of passengers searching for answers amidst the escalating conflict.
The skies over the Arabian Peninsula have grown significantly quieter in the last 48 hours. Operation Epic Fury has triggered a domino effect of airspace closures and safety restrictions that are grounding planes from Jeddah to Dammam. If you are holding a ticket with Saudia or flying through the Kingdom, your travel plans are likely at risk. This is not just a standard delay; it is a major regional aviation halt affecting nearly every Gulf capital.
Conflict Grounds Regional Operations
The aviation landscape in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region changed overnight following the start of military operations on February 28. Saudi Airlines officially paused all flights to Amman, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, and Peshawar as of early March. This decision comes as security protocols tighten across the eastern and northeastern airspace sectors of Saudi Arabia.
Data indicates the scale of this disruption is massive.
Recent reports show that over 23,000 flights have been scrubbed from schedules across the wider Gulf region since the escalation began. In Saudi Arabia alone, airport authorities recorded 148 cancellations and 378 delays in a single 24 hour window.
The restrictions are primarily safety measures.
Civil aviation authorities are prioritizing passenger safety by clearing the airspace bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf. This means routes that typically fly over these zones must be rerouted or cancelled entirely if a safe corridor cannot be established.
Status of Major Saudi Hubs
Confusion remains high regarding which airports are actually functioning. While the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have seen full airspace closures, Saudi Arabia is operating on a partial closure model. The impact varies heavily depending on where your flight originates or lands.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah remains largely operational for flights heading west toward Europe and Africa. However, flights heading east are facing severe hurdles.
Check the status of your departure hub below:
| Airport Name | Location | Current Status | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Khalid Int’l (RUH) | Riyadh | Partially Open | High (Eastern routes suspended) |
| King Abdulaziz Int’l (JED) | Jeddah | Open | Medium (Delays expected) |
| King Fahd Int’l (DMM) | Dammam | Restricted | Severe (Most regional flights cut) |
| Prince Mohammad Int’l (MED) | Madinah | Open | Low ( mostly affects regional connectors) |
Travellers flying out of Dammam are facing the hardest hit.
Situated on the Gulf coast, Dammam is in the direct vicinity of the restricted flight zones. Passengers scheduled to fly from DMM should assume their flight is affected until confirmed otherwise by the airline.
Getting Your Money Back
The most pressing question for stranded passengers is about refunds. Since these cancellations are due to “Force Majeure” or acts of war, standard compensation rules for delays often do not apply. However, you are still entitled to a refund for the service you did not receive.
Saudi Airlines has activated a waiver policy for all affected tickets.
Passengers can now request a full refund without paying the usual penalty fees. This applies to non refundable tickets as well if the flight was cancelled by the airline.
Follow this step by step guide to process your request:
- Visit the Saudia website and navigate to “Manage Booking.”
- Enter your booking reference and last name.
- Select the “Refund” option which should now be visible for cancelled sectors.
- If the online system crashes due to high traffic, do not panic.
You can also hold on to your ticket value.
If you plan to travel later, Saudia is offering free rebooking. You can change your travel dates to a future slot within the next 90 days without paying a fare difference or change fee. This is often the best option if your travel is essential but not urgent.
Passenger Rights During War Scenarios
It is vital to understand where your rights end in these extraordinary circumstances. Airline regulations in Saudi Arabia generally align with international standards regarding duty of care. Even if the cancellation is not the airline’s fault, they have certain obligations to you while you are at the airport.
If you are stranded at the airport, the airline must provide care.
This typically includes food and drink vouchers proportional to the waiting time. If your delay extends overnight, the airline should provide hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.
However, monetary compensation is unlikely.
Unlike a cancellation due to a crew strike or maintenance issue, airlines are not legally required to pay cash compensation for cancellations caused by war or security threats. This falls under extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.
What To Do If You Are Stranded
The situation on the ground is fluid and changing by the hour. Thousands of travellers are currently stuck in transit hubs like Riyadh and Jeddah. If you find yourself in this position, you need to act fast to secure your comfort and safety.
Do not go to the airport without a confirmed flight.
Terminals are currently overcrowded with stranded passengers. Only head to the airport if your flight status says “Confirmed” on the official Saudia app. Third party booking sites may have outdated information.
Contacting support requires patience right now.
Call centers are experiencing wait times of over four hours. Expert travellers suggest using social media channels like X (formerly Twitter) or WhatsApp support for faster responses. Direct messaging the airline often yields a quicker result than waiting on hold.
Verify your travel insurance policy immediately.
Many standard travel insurance policies have exclusions for acts of war or civil unrest. Check your policy wording carefully. If you purchased “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, you are in a much better position to claim back prepaid hotels and tours that you will now miss.
