Published on September 21, 2025
In a significant disruption caused by adverse weather conditions, several flights operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines have been cancelled, severely impacting passengers’ travel plans and local tourism. These cancellations have affected key international airports and major tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with passengers facing delays and uncertainties.

Affected Flights

The following flights were cancelled due to bad weather, impacting both passenger convenience and regional tourism:

Key Airports Affected

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Several airports have been disrupted due to these cancellations, affecting passenger flows and tourism activities:

1. Multan International Airport (MUX) – Located in Pakistan, this airport saw the cancellation of flights departing to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The airport is a key hub for travelers between Pakistan and the Middle East, with many passengers en route to pilgrimage destinations or business ventures.
2. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) – Situated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this is a primary gateway for pilgrims heading to Mecca. The cancellation of inbound flights from Multan and other destinations may affect the logistics of religious tourism.
3. Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) – Located in Lahore, Pakistan, this international airport connects major cities in Pakistan with the Middle East and Europe. The cancellation of the flight from Jeddah to Lahore highlights the ongoing disruptions between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
4. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this airport connects the capital to other major global hubs. Affected routes here have repercussions for business and leisure tourism between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Key Regions Affected

The regions impacted by these cancellations include:

1. Saudi Arabia – As the home country of Saudi Arabian Airlines, the region faced significant disruption in air travel. Jeddah, being the primary port of entry for religious pilgrims heading to Mecca, saw the most significant impact. With the cancellation of inbound flights, the local tourism industry, especially for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, faces disruptions.
2. Pakistan – The affected flights primarily originated from Pakistani airports, with Multan, Lahore, and Islamabad seeing major disruptions. These cancellations significantly impact the travel plans of those visiting family members or for business reasons.
3. Middle East – The connections between the Middle East (Saudi Arabia) and South Asia (Pakistan) have been interrupted. Pilgrims traveling for religious purposes and tourists visiting for business and leisure must find alternate routes, affecting tourism.

Affected Routes and Cities

The cancellations resulted in the following disruptions for passengers:

• Multan to Jeddah (SVA801): This flight was supposed to connect Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. Multan, located in the heart of Pakistan’s agricultural region, is a vital departure point for travelers heading to Mecca for Hajj or to Jeddah for business purposes. The cancelled flight has left many passengers without alternatives to connect to their onward destinations.
• Jeddah to Lahore (SVA734): The flight from Jeddah to Lahore was also cancelled, disrupting connections between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s cultural capital. Lahore, known for its historical significance and cultural richness, relies heavily on air travel to support tourism and business exchanges.
• Riyadh to Jeddah (SVA1019): This internal Saudi Arabian route was affected, disrupting travel within the kingdom. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is crucial for both local and international tourism, and any disruption to its flight schedules creates challenges for tourists seeking to access the Red Sea coast or the nearby religious sites.

Impact on Passengers

The cancellations have had a severe impact on passengers, many of whom were left stranded at airports with limited information. For passengers on flights from Multan, Lahore, and Riyadh, the disruptions mean long delays and the need to rebook their flights at potentially higher costs.

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Many of the affected travelers were pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers who were looking forward to their journey. The sudden cancellations forced them to scramble for new tickets and accommodations. The overall atmosphere at the affected airports has been chaotic, with travelers expressing frustration over the lack of communication and options.

Impact on Local Tourism

The ripple effects of these cancellations extend beyond passengers. Local tourism, especially in Mecca and Medina, both major pilgrimage destinations, has also been affected. The influx of international visitors during peak seasons like Hajj is significant to the economy, and flight disruptions create a domino effect on tourism-related services, such as hotels, transport, and guided tours.
Furthermore, cities like Lahore, Riyadh, and Jeddah, which are popular for both leisure and business tourism, face setbacks in their efforts to attract global visitors. The local tourism industry will need to cope with fewer tourists and delayed schedules, leading to decreased revenues for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

What Can Be Done to Address the Situation?

The airline industry, as well as tourism bodies, must work together to provide passengers with alternative solutions. This could involve offering rebooking options, compensating for cancellations, or providing temporary accommodations in cases of long delays. Clear communication is vital during such disruptions, with updates on the situation provided through official channels.

A Positive Outlook for Tourism

While flight cancellations due to bad weather create challenges, they also present an opportunity for the tourism industry to strengthen its resilience. Airports can improve their operations and passenger services by investing in better communication systems and emergency planning. Airlines, too, can adopt more transparent policies regarding cancellations and delays, ensuring passengers are well taken care of.

Conclusion: Bouncing Back from Disruptions

The tourism industry will eventually recover from these setbacks. With better coordination, customer support, and infrastructure investment, the sector will emerge stronger. Passengers, too, will have the tools they need to navigate cancellations, rebook flights, and continue their journeys with confidence.

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Tags: flight disruptions, passenger delays, saudi arabian airlines, weather cancellations

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