KLM

The war in the Middle East is pushing Air France‑KLM’s fuel bill up by 2.4 billion dollars this year, with higher ticket prices and a trimmed growth plan the most visible effects for passengers.

Air France has prolonged flight suspensions to several destinations in the Middle East, including Tel Aviv, amid continuing security concerns. KLM has also extended cancellations, citing unsafe airspace and the ongoing conflict in the region.

KLM, together with its partner Air France, officially announced price increase for its long haul flights.

KLM has extended its suspension of flights to Dubai until 28 March due to the conflict in the Middle East. The airline has also paused services to Riyadh and Dammam while it evaluates regional safety. Affected passengers can rebook or request refunds as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

KLM has extended its suspension of flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv and key Saudi destinations due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The airline says it will continue to avoid the region’s airspace until it is safe to fly. Other long-haul routes remain unaffected.

A KLM flight is currently transporting 83 Dutch nationals home as the government begins repatriation efforts following the conflict in Iran. Minister Tom Berendsen has advised those still stranded to register with embassies rather than attempting unsafe travel across the region. While some commercial routes are reopening, the situation remains volatile and the timeline for further evacuations is uncertain.

A KLM aircraft scheduled to return to the Netherlands on Saturday is currently stranded in Dubai after regional attacks prompted widespread airspace restrictions and flight suspensions. Passengers have been offered hotel accommodation while the airline awaits safe conditions to resume operations.

KLM is recruiting temporary staff and deploying new digital tools to tackle a surge in customer claims following a chaotic start to 2026. Severe winter weather at Schiphol Airport led to hundreds of cancelled flights in January and February, costing parent company Air France-KLM an estimated €90 million.