KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyad and Dammam until March 5th, as escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupt air travel across the region. The cancellations, announced Tuesday, impact hundreds of passengers and reflect a broader pattern of flight disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that its embassies in Baghdad, Tehran, Tel Aviv, and consulates in Dubai and Ramallah remain operational, though the security situation is volatile. Minister Berendsen of Foreign Affairs has engaged in discussions with counterparts from Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq, expressing concern over regional escalation and the safety of citizens. Specifically, the Minister condemned Iranian attacks on Kuwait and violations of Jordanian airspace, deeming them unacceptable.
The disruptions extend beyond KLM, with thousands of flights globally affected as airlines reroute or suspend services. Airports in Dubai and Oman are experiencing significant operational challenges. The situation is particularly acute for travelers stranded in the Gulf states, with reports emerging of individuals seeking alternative routes home.
Charlotte, a Dutch national stranded in Dubai with her husband and two young children, described a frightening experience after a fire broke out at the Fairmont The Palm hotel following an impact. She and her family have since moved to the home of relatives outside the tourist center, but remain anxious about their ability to return to the Netherlands. “Everyone sympathizes with us, but really all One can do is pray that we gain out of here alive,” she stated.
KLM has reported that 237 of its passengers are currently stranded in Dubai. The airline has not yet announced plans to resume flights beyond March 5th, citing the continued closure of airspace as the primary obstacle. The Dutch government continues to advise citizens in Iran, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Iraq, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to consult travel advisories and take appropriate precautions.
The Rijksoverheid website notes that the situation in the Middle East is unsafe and unpredictable, and provides links to relevant travel advice for those in the region. As of Tuesday evening, the United States has also advised American citizens to leave the Middle East.
