Air France Cancels Flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Beirut
Air France has suspended services linking Paris with Riyadh, Dubai and Beirut as security conditions and airspace restrictions continue to affect Middle East operations. The airline said it was tracking developments in real time and would restart flights only after reviewing conditions on the ground. The disruption is part of a wider series of cancellations and timetable changes by European and Asian carriers serving the region.
Air France’s Current Route Suspensions
- Airline: Air France
- Affected routes: Paris–Riyadh, Paris–Dubai and Paris–Beirut
- Riyadh suspension: Through 24 July 2026, inclusive
- Dubai suspension: Through 27 July 2026, inclusive
- Beirut suspension: Through 2 August 2026, inclusive
- Reason: Security conditions and regional airspace restrictions
- Restart conditions: Subject to a new security assessment, so the listed dates do not guarantee that flights will resume
The regional picture changed again on 22 July. EASA revised its advisory for the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, extending it until 31 August, while adding a separate advisory for Jordanian airspace. KLM also extended its suspensions covering Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam through 6 September. British Airways, Aegean, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa Group carriers have also cancelled or postponed selected Middle East services.
Direct Air France access to three major Middle East gateways is temporarily reduced, but the destinations themselves are not closed to visitors. Dubai, Beirut and Riyadh may remain reachable with carriers still operating or through alternative connections, subject to changing airspace conditions. This preserves access to Dubai’s stopover attractions, Beirut and Lebanon’s coast, and Riyadh’s museums and historic Diriyah, although journeys may take longer or cost more.
Anyone booked on an affected service should check the flight status before leaving for the airport and wait for Air France’s instructions before buying a replacement ticket. Under EU air passenger rules, a cancelled flight gives customers a choice of reimbursement or rerouting. Additional compensation may not be payable when security risks qualify as extraordinary circumstances, but the airline’s duties concerning refunds, alternative travel and care still apply.