Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa Suspend Flights to Middle East Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

Air France announced on January 23 and 24, 2026, the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Dubai due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The decision followed U.S. moves, notably former President Donald Trump’s announcement of a naval armada deployment towards the Gulf, heightening fears of military confrontation with Iran amid ongoing Iranian protests and crackdowns. Specifically, Air France canceled two flights from Paris to Dubai (AF660 and AF658), which also led to the cancellation of two corresponding return flights from Dubai.

Similarly, Dutch carrier KLM suspended flights not only to Dubai but also to Tel Aviv in Israel, and Dammam and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. While KLM did not specify the reasons for its suspension, the airline stated the decision was made in consultation with Dutch authorities, implying concerns related to regional instability.

German airline Lufthansa separately announced it will suspend all flights to and from Tehran, Iran’s capital, until March 29, 2026. This move reflects heightened security concerns as the U.S. maintains pressure on Iran amid fears of conflict escalation. Lufthansa’s suspension came earlier in the same week as the Air France and KLM announcements.

Air France typically operates two to three daily flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Dubai, amounting to around 18 weekly flights in peak winter season. The airline stressed it monitors geopolitical developments affecting its operations closely to prioritize passenger safety.

The region’s instability ties to growing tensions between Iran and the U.S., especially following the Iranian government’s crackdown on protests and Trump’s warnings of military retaliation. The deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group to the Gulf underlines the fragile atmosphere.

These coordinated suspension decisions by major European carriers underscore the acute uncertainty facing Middle Eastern air travel amid rising geopolitical tensions. Travelers and businesses relying on these routes face disruption while airlines evaluate risks in this volatile context.