A Day of Delays: Passengers Across MENA Struggle With Flight Disruptions

Jan 21|Manama Thousands of passengers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faced travel chaos today as major airports, including Bahrain International Airport, reported extensive flight delays and cancellations, affecting both regional and international routes.

At Bahrain International Airport, authorities confirmed a significant surge in delays, with dozens of flights pushed back and a small number outright cancelled. Travellers flying with carriers such as Gulf Air, Emirates and other regional airlines experienced unusually long waits, particularly for morning and early afternoon departures, many of which were rescheduled for later in the day.

Airport officials are urging passengers to confirm their flight status in real time through airline apps or airport information boards before arriving at the terminal, and to allow extra time for check‑in and security procedures.

What’s Causing the Disruptions?

The unprecedented level of delays across MENA appears to stem from a combination of factors:

• Increased post‑holiday travel demand, putting extra pressure on airport operations.
• Air traffic control and congestion issues at major hubs such as Istanbul, Cairo, and Amman.
• Knock‑on effects as airlines struggle to maintain schedules amidst high volumes of passengers and interconnected flight networks.

Although no immediate safety concerns have been reported, experts say that ongoing regional air traffic pressures, including rerouting patterns due to geopolitical considerations continue to influence flight scheduling and airline operations across the Gulf and wider MENA region.

Tips for Affected Travellers

If you’re travelling today from Bahrain or connecting through the airport:

• Check your flight’s status with your airline or via the Bahrain Airport official site before departure.
• Plan for delays — arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
• Stay updated on possible gate changes and announcements at the terminal.

Officials say the situation is evolving throughout the day and are working with airlines to restore normal flight schedules as quickly as possible.