Air France‑KLM Pauses Flights to Middle East Including Dubai and Tel Aviv

Air France and KLM have temporarily paused flights to several destinations in the Middle East, including Dubai, Tel Aviv, Riyadh and Dammam, as heightened geopolitical tensions in the region continue to affect airline operations.

France’s national carrier Air France announced it would suspend its service to Dubai due to the “current situation in the Middle East,” saying it was monitoring developments in real time and would update its schedule as conditions evolve. Meanwhile, Dutch flag carrier KLM has halted flights until further notice to cities in the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The airline also said it would avoid flying through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel and several Gulf countries as a precaution. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The move follows escalating security concerns linked to broader regional instability, with airlines increasingly adjusting operations to prioritise passenger and crew safety. KLM’s suspension includes services to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh, with the carrier coordinating closely with Dutch authorities as it assesses the situation. Air France’s temporary pause affects flights between Paris and Dubai until further notice. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

These disruptions come amid global airline responses to perceived security risks in the Middle East, where airspace closures and geopolitical tensions have periodically impacted flight schedules and route planning. Major carriers, including others in Europe, have also scaled back or cancelled regional services recently in light of the evolving environment. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

For travellers booked on affected flights, airlines are expected to offer rebooking or refund options, though specifics depend on individual carriers’ policies. Passengers planning travel to or via the impacted cities are strongly advised to check flight statuses directly with their airlines and to monitor official travel advisories as conditions develop.

Aviation analysts say such proactive suspension of services reflects how carriers increasingly weigh geopolitical and airspace risk against operational continuity, especially on long‑haul and international routes that traverse potentially volatile regions. The priority remains maintaining safety while minimising disruption to global air traffic flows.