KLM stops using Iranian airspace due to increased tensions

KLM stopped using Iranian airspace for the time being, the company announced on Friday. The measure has to do with an American drone being shot down by Iran at great height earlier this week. "Safety is the top priority for KLM", the Dutch airline said in a statement, NU.nl reports.

"We are closely following all developments that may be related to the safety of airspace 24/7 and we are organizing the operation in such a way that the safety of flights is guaranteed", KLM said. "The incident with the drone is reason for us to no longer fly over the area for the time being."

Tensions between Iran and the United States increased considerably over the past days. On Thursday US president Donald Trump agreed to military attacks on Iran, but took back that decision at the last minute on Thursday evening. By that time, a number of steps had already been set into motion, the New York Times writes based on information from insiders. It is unclear why Trump changed his mind, or whether attacks will happen in the future. The White House refused to respond to the newspaper's questions about it.

The US accused Iran of attacking tankers in the Gulf of Oman, something the Iranians deny. Iran shot down the American drone, which cost 130 million euros, earlier this week. According to Trump, the drone was in "free territory" when it was shot down. According to Iran, it was flying in Iranian airspace.