KLM Resumes Saudi Flights, Dubai & Tel Aviv Still Suspended

KLM Partially Restarts Middle East Operations Amid Regional Tensions

Dutch flag carrier KLM has announced it will resume flights to Saudi Arabia starting tomorrow, January 27, 2026, while maintaining suspensions on routes to Dubai and Tel Aviv. The airline will restart services to Dammam and Riyadh after a brief pause, but continues to assess options for the other two key Middle Eastern destinations.

Safety Analysis Drives Selective Resumption

The decision comes just days after KLM announced a temporary suspension of all Middle East flights on Friday, citing "the geopolitical situation" as the reason. According to KLM's latest statement, the resumption of Saudi Arabian routes is based on "the most recent safety analysis."

"We're continuously monitoring the situation and making decisions based on the latest security assessments," a KLM spokesperson told reporters. "Passenger safety remains our absolute priority."

Geopolitical Context: Iran Protests and US Military Movements

The initial suspension appears connected to escalating tensions in the region, particularly surrounding Iran. While KLM hasn't specified exact reasons, industry analysts point to widespread protests in Iran and the potential for US military intervention as likely factors.

President Donald Trump recently confirmed deploying "an armada" of ships to the region, with the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group heading toward the Persian Gulf. "We're watching Iran," Trump stated. "We have a big force going towards Iran."

Iran's Revolutionary Guard commander General Mohammad Pakpour responded with warnings that his forces are "more ready than ever, finger on the trigger" as US warships approach.

Other Airlines Follow Similar Patterns

KLM isn't alone in adjusting Middle East operations. Transavia, the Dutch low-cost carrier, has extended its Dubai suspension through at least Wednesday. Air France initially paused Paris-Dubai flights but resumed them over the weekend.

Major European carriers including British Airways and Lufthansa have also canceled or adjusted flights to the region. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued recommendations for airlines to avoid Iranian airspace due to increased risks of misidentification.

Impact on Passengers and Operations

Affected passengers have been automatically rebooked on alternative flights, with those preferring not to travel eligible for refunds. KLM, founded in 1919 as the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name, continues to avoid airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and several Gulf countries as a precautionary measure.

The selective resumption highlights how airlines are navigating complex security landscapes in real-time. While Saudi Arabian routes are deemed safe enough to resume, Dubai and Tel Aviv remain under review as the geopolitical situation continues to evolve.

Industry experts note that such disruptions could extend through spring 2026 depending on security developments in the region, with the Persian Gulf remaining a critical corridor for long-haul flights connecting Europe with Asia, Africa, and Australia.