What to Do If My Flight to Saudi is Delayed?

Traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or any other purpose can be an exciting yet stressful experience, especially when unexpected flight delays occur. Whether you’re flying from Dubai, Sharjah, or any other airport, delays can disrupt your schedule, cause frustration, and even impact your visa validity. However, with proper planning and the right steps, you can manage flight delays effectively and minimize their impact on your journey.
In this guide, we’ll cover the common reasons for flight delays, what to do if your flight is delayed, how to stay prepared, and ways to handle rebooking or compensation.
Common Reasons for Flight Delays
Flight delays can happen for various reasons, many of which are beyond your control. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Weather Conditions
Bad weather, such as heavy rain, fog, or sandstorms, can cause significant flight disruptions. Airports in Saudi Arabia and the UAE sometimes experience delays due to poor visibility.
2. Air Traffic Congestion
Major airports like Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport handle thousands of flights daily. High air traffic can lead to takeoff and landing delays.
3. Technical or Mechanical Issues
Airlines prioritize passenger safety, so if a plane develops a technical fault, flights may be delayed or even canceled until the issue is resolved.
4. Airline Staffing Issues
Flight crew availability plays a major role in flight schedules. If a crew member is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, the flight may be delayed.
5. Security and Immigration Checks
Stringent security and immigration procedures at airports can sometimes lead to flight delays, especially during peak travel seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj.
What to Do If Your Flight to Saudi Arabia Is Delayed?
If you find yourself facing a flight delay while traveling to Saudi Arabia, follow these steps to stay informed and minimize inconvenience:
1. Stay Calm and Check for Updates
The first and most important thing is not to panic. Flight delays are common, and airlines usually provide updates. Here’s what you should do:
✅ Check airline notifications – Most airlines send real-time updates via SMS, email, or their mobile apps.
✅ Monitor airport flight boards – Information screens at the airport are updated regularly.
✅ Follow your airline on social media – Many airlines post flight status updates on platforms like Twitter.
✅ Ask airport staff for details – If you’re unsure about the delay, speak to the airline’s ground staff.
2. Confirm Your Connecting Flights
If you have a layover before reaching Saudi Arabia, check whether your connecting flight is also affected. Contact the airline’s helpdesk to see if you need to rebook or make alternative arrangements.
✈️ Example: If your Dubai to Jeddah flight is delayed and you have a connecting flight to Madinah, ensure that your airline provides a backup plan for your journey.
3. Contact Your Hotel and Transport Provider
If you have booked hotel accommodations or airport transfers in Saudi Arabia, inform them about your delay. Many hotels and transportation services offer flexible rescheduling options.
🚗 Tip: If you have booked a private transfer, call or email the service provider to inform them of your new arrival time.
4. Understand Your Visa Validity
For Umrah travelers, visa validity is crucial. If your flight is delayed for an extended period, check whether this affects your Umrah visa. Some visas have strict entry deadlines.
🛂 What to do?
✅ Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm if a delay affects your visa.
✅ If necessary, request assistance in case you need to extend your visa.
5. Know Your Passenger Rights
Most airlines have policies regarding delays and compensation. Depending on the duration of the delay and the airline’s policy, you may be entitled to:
✅ Meal vouchers for delays over 3 hours
✅ Hotel accommodation if the delay lasts overnight
✅ Compensation for excessive delays (varies by airline and region)
🔹 Example: If you’re flying with Saudi Airlines and your flight is delayed overnight, they may provide accommodation at a nearby hotel. Always check with your airline’s customer service.
How to Stay Prepared for Flight Delays?
While you cannot control flight delays, you can take steps to minimize their impact on your journey:
1. Book Flights with Minimal Layovers
If possible, choose direct flights to Saudi Arabia. If you must book a connecting flight, ensure there’s enough time between flights to accommodate possible delays.
2. Keep Important Contacts Handy
Before you travel, save key contact numbers in your phone, including:
📌 Your airline’s customer service number
📌 Your travel agent’s contact details
📌 Hotel and transportation providers in Saudi Arabia
3. Carry Essentials in Your Hand Luggage
If your flight is delayed, you may need to wait at the airport for a long time. Pack these essentials in your carry-on bag:
🧴 Travel-size toiletries
🥤 Snacks and a reusable water bottle
🎧 Headphones and entertainment (books, podcasts, etc.)
🛏️ A travel pillow and blanket for comfort
4. Get Travel Insurance
A good travel insurance policy covers flight delays, cancellations, and lost baggage. Choose an insurance plan that includes:
✅ Compensation for flight delays and cancellations
✅ Coverage for additional hotel stays due to delays
✅ Medical coverage in case of emergencies
What If My Flight Is Canceled?
If your flight to Saudi Arabia is completely canceled:
1️⃣ Ask the airline for alternative flights – They may rebook you on the next available flight.
2️⃣ Request a refund or travel voucher – Depending on the airline, you may receive a refund or travel credit.
3️⃣ Contact your travel agent – If you booked an Umrah package, your agent can help you rearrange flights and accommodations.
Seventh Sea Holidays: Your Trusted Umrah Travel Partner
At Seventh Sea Holidays, we ensure that your Umrah journey is smooth and stress-free. We offer:
✅ Reliable Umrah packages with carefully planned itineraries
✅ Flexible rescheduling support in case of flight delays
✅ Direct assistance with airlines for rebooking and visa concerns
📍 Our Current Umrah Packages:
- Private Umrah Package – February departure, AED 2199
- Blessed Ramadan Journey – March 10 departure, AED 2499
📞 Book your Umrah journey with us today!
Final Thoughts
Flight delays can be frustrating, but with proper planning and quick action, you can reduce stress and keep your Umrah or travel plans on track. Always stay informed, have a backup plan, and choose a trusted travel agency for your Umrah bookings.
If you ever experience a flight delay, remember: stay calm, check for updates, and explore your options. Safe travels and may your journey to Saudi Arabia be blessed!