Air France, KLM Suspend Flights To Middle East Amid Rising Tensions

Air France and KLM have suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations, including Dubai and Israel, as geopolitical tensions in the region escalate.

France’s national carrier, Air France, announced on Friday that it would temporarily halt its flights to Dubai, citing security concerns linked to the evolving situation in the Middle East.

“Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the company has decided to temporarily suspend its service to Dubai,” Air France said in a statement.

The airline added that it is “monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule.”

Similarly, Dutch airline KLM has halted flights until further notice to Tel Aviv in Israel, as well as Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The airline also said it would avoid flying through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel and several Gulf countries.

According to the Netherlands’ state broadcaster, NOS, KLM did not give specific reasons for the suspension but confirmed it was in contact with Dutch authorities.

The flight disruptions come against the backdrop of heightened military activity in the region. United States President Donald Trump on Thursday said a “big force” of US warships, which he described as an “armada” was heading towards the Gulf.

“We’re watching Iran,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

“You know we have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case … We have a big force going toward Iran.”

The development follows days of uncertainty over Washington’s stance on Iran, after Trump appeared to back away from earlier threats of military action linked to Tehran’s crackdown on anti-government protests.