KLM halts flights to Middle East, cancels routes amid rising regional tensions

KLM is rerouting aircraft, canceling flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam, and taking extra security measures in response to rising instability in the Middle East and anticipated disruptions caused by the NATO summit in The Hague, CEO Marjan Rintel said Sunday.

Speaking on WNL op Zondag, Rintel emphasized that safety remains the airline’s top priority. “We are extremely alert and will make no concessions when it comes to safety,” she said.

KLM announced earlier Sunday that it will not resume service to Tel Aviv “until further notice.” Flights to the Israeli city had already been suspended until at least July 1 following Israel’s airstrikes on Iran on June 13. The airline has also halted operations to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia. “We assess on a daily basis whether it’s safe and responsible to operate,” a spokesperson said.

KLM is reportedly in regular contact with Dutch ministries, including Defense and Interior Affairs, to evaluate threats and determine safe flight paths. In response to regional instability and multiple airspace closures, the airline has adjusted routes across the Middle East. “We’ve had to change some routes, and there are places we can no longer fly to at all due to closed airspace,” Rintel explained.

The rerouted flights are adding pressure on available air corridors, increasing congestion. According to Rintel, this has forced KLM to deploy additional crew and carry more fuel, resulting in longer travel times. She declined to comment on whether this may affect ticket prices.

Meanwhile, the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague is causing significant operational disruptions at Schiphol Airport. “It will be very busy next week,” Rintel said, noting that KLM has been preparing for months. The airline is responsible for some ground handling activities, including towing aircraft.

The summit is also triggering major schedule changes for KLM. More than 20 percent of its flights will be canceled during the event, and 40 percent will depart at different times. “We hope for good weather and favorable wind conditions so that the plans we’ve made can actually proceed,” Rintel said.