KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has cancelled flights to several cities in the Middle East through Thursday, March 6, 2026, as regional tensions escalate. The cancellations impact services to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam, according to multiple reports.
The Dutch carrier initially suspended its Amsterdam-Tel Aviv service on February 28, 2026, following strikes in Iran, The Times of Israel reported. The latest disruptions extend beyond Israel, reflecting a broader concern for flight safety in the region.
KLM is avoiding airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and portions of the Gulf, according to the Economic Times. The decision to cancel and adjust flights comes after reports of loud bangs heard over Dubai for a second consecutive day, further heightening anxieties.
Passengers traveling to or from the affected cities are being rebooked as operations resume. KLM stated it is closely monitoring developments and will update its flight schedule as needed. The cancellations represent a significant disruption for travelers and underscore the increasing impact of geopolitical instability on the aviation industry.
Reports indicate some individuals are currently stranded in Dubai due to the flight cancellations. NOS News detailed the experiences of a family from Stadskanaal who found themselves caught in the middle of the situation, describing witnessing what they believed to be the trail of a rocket.
The widespread flight cancellations are causing significant disruption, with De Volkskrant reporting that thousands of flights have been cancelled, marking what some are calling the largest disruption to air travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.
KLM released a statement acknowledging the impact on flights from Dubai to Amsterdam, as well as flights from Amsterdam to Riyadh and Dammam.
