Flights to Gulf Cities Suspended Until Mid-May

By Ivan PetrenkoMar 19, 2026 23:08 PMNews
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Atlantis hotel and Palm Jumeirah aerial view in Dubai
Dubai tourism faces flight disruptions. Source: unsplash

KLM has suspended all flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until 17 May. The decision comes amid continued instability in the Middle East, with the airline pointing to safety concerns for both passengers and crew. All services on these routes are affected, and there is no clear indication yet of when flights might resume earlier.

Passengers with bookings on these routes are being contacted directly. KLM says customers can change their travel dates or request a refund via its website. The airline continues to update passengers as the situation evolves, while schedules may still change in the coming weeks.

Riyadh skyline with modern skyscrapers and cityscape
Riyadh routes paused until mid-May. Source: unsplash

The airline says it is watching the situation closely and staying in touch with authorities. No other destinations have been added to the suspension list so far, but that could change if conditions worsen. For now, flights remain paused as airlines adjust routes in response to risks in the region.

Even with these routes on hold, much of KLM’s network is still running. European cities remain easy to reach, with onward connections available as usual. Travellers looking for warm-weather breaks can still head to southern Europe or North Africa, where spring schedules are expanding and flights are operating normally.

KLM aircraft on runway with airline branding visible
KLM suspends key Gulf connections. Source: unsplash

This decision highlights how quickly airline schedules can shift when regional tensions rise. Plans tied to specific destinations may need rethinking, especially during busy travel periods. Keeping options open and checking updates close to departure becomes part of the routine, as airlines prioritise safety and adjust their networks to match current conditions.

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