Air France, KLM Halt Flights to Middle East Destinations, Including Dubai and Israel
Air France and KLM have announced the temporary suspension of flights to various destinations in the Middle East. This decision comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
Flight Suspensions by Air France and KLM
- Air France: Ceased operations to Dubai, citing the need to monitor the evolving geopolitical situation.
- KLM: Halted flights to cities including Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam, and Riyadh. The airline will also avoid flying over airspace in Iraq, Iran, and Israel.
Statements from the Airlines
Air France communicated that it made these changes in response to “the current situation in the Middle East.” The airline is closely monitoring developments and will keep passengers informed about flight schedules.
KLM, while not specifying the reasons for its flight suspensions, mentioned it is coordinating with Dutch authorities for further guidance.
Context Behind the Suspensions
These flight disruptions align with recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding military movements in the Gulf region. Trump indicated that a significant number of U.S. warships, referred to as an “armada,” are heading towards the area.
Trump emphasized the importance of being prepared, noting, “We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case.” This statement follows a period of heightened tensions related to Iran’s actions against protests.
Both airlines are prioritizing the safety of their passengers in light of the ongoing developments in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
