Air France suspends service to Dubai as KLM halts Middle East flights
Europe
By
AFP
| Jan 24, 2026
A plane of KLM airlines lands at the Schiphol Airport on January 4, 2026 as hundreds of flights have been cancelled due to the winter weather. [AFP]
At least two European airlines suspended flights to cities in the Middle East on Friday, with Air France saying it will temporarily stop service to Dubai due to the geopolitical situation.
Dutch airline KLM also halted flights until further notice to cities in the Middle East and would not fly through the airspace of several countries in the region, including Iraq and Iran, according to the Netherlands' state broadcaster.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a US "armada" was heading toward the Gulf and that Washington was watching Iran closely, even after downplaying the prospect of imminent military action and saying Tehran appeared interested in talks.
"Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the company has decided to temporarily suspend its service to Dubai," France's national carrier said in a statement to AFP.
READ MORE
Portable kitchen: Designer taps into space-saving trend
Kenya urged to pilot AI regulatory Sandbox in bid to lead Africa's digital future
MPs pledge site visist as KTDA gives progress on hydro power project
Why Gen Zs are not sending money to parents
The true impact of Iran-US war on the Kenyan economy
KPA steps up plans for expansion of Kisumu Port
Infrastructure, trust key to cities success as Nairobi, Rome stagnate
HF Group posts 40pc jump in full-year net profit to Sh1.4 billion
How personalised developments are reshaping local property market
Government tightens oversight on Saccos to safeguard members' deposits
The airline added it was "constantly monitoring the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft" to ensure "the highest level of safety and security" for its flights.
"Air France is monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule," the French airline said.
KLM told Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Friday that it had suspended flights until further notice to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh and would not fly through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel and several countries in the Gulf.
The airline did not disclose the reason for the suspensions and said it was in touch with Dutch authorities, according to NOS.
Trump has repeatedly threatened US strikes on Iran over the crackdown on the protest movement that recently erupted across the Islamic republic.
The prospect of military action appeared to recede last week after the White House said Tehran had halted planned executions of demonstrators, but Trump on Thursday confirmed continuing military preparations.
"You know we have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case... We have a big force going toward Iran," he said.