KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has temporarily halted flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and several other destinations across the Middle East.
The announcement was made in a statement posted on the airline’s website on Saturday, titled “Statement on the situation in the Middle East.”
According to KLM, the decision is a precautionary measure in response to heightened airspace risks linked to ongoing regional tensions and geopolitical developments.
KLM noted in its statement that it is steering clear of the airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Israel, along with certain parts of the Gulf region.
Consequently, flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, and Tel Aviv have been suspended until further notice, with affected passengers already notified of the cancellations.
“Due to the geopolitical situation, KLM is currently avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Israel as a precaution, as well as the airspace over several countries in the Gulf region. This means that, until further notice, we will not be operating flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Tel Aviv,” the statement read in part.
KLM also stated that it will not rebook passengers on flights scheduled for January 24 or 25, noting that several other airlines have likewise suspended services to the Middle East.
The airline assured customers that rebooking will resume as soon as conditions allow, while passengersy who choose not to travel may opt for a travel voucher or a full refund. KLM added that it is closely monitoring developments in the region.
Since late December 2025, several parts of the Middle East have experienced widespread unrest fueled by economic pressures, social discontent, and rising political tensions.
In Iran, protests have reportedly been met with a severe security crackdown, leading to thousands of deaths and mass arrests, with human rights groups estimating more than 5,000 fatalities. Growing concerns over instability and alleged abuses have also led the United States to deploy major military assets to the region, including an aircraft carrier strike group.
Several airlines and companies are modifying their operations across the Middle East in response to rising geopolitical tensions and airspace limitations.
Air France resumed flights to Dubai on January 24 following a one-day suspension.
Lufthansa has been avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace, while operating restricted daytime services to Tel Aviv and Amman between January 14 and 19.
British Airways temporarily halted flights to Bahrain from January 16 to 24, while Finnair rerouted its Doha and Dubai services through Saudi airspace, steering clear of Iraqi, Iranian, Syrian, and Israeli airspace.
