KLM is once again adjusting its Middle East network, and the back-and-forth underscores just how fragile airline planning remains in a volatile region.
KLM Flip-Flops On Middle East Service As Tel Aviv Remains Suspended
KLM has reversed course yet again on its plans to resume service to Tel Aviv (TLV), even as it prepares to restart flights to Dubai (DXB) and continues operating to Saudi Arabia (both Dammam and Riyadh). The Dutch flag carrier initially suspended several Middle East routes amid escalating regional tensions in Iran, briefly signaled that service to Israel might resume, and then pulled back once more.
In a statement, KLM said:
“At all times, KLM prioritizes the safety of passengers and crews in the execution of its operations. Selecting safe and optimal routes is a standard part of our daily practice. Based on the current security situation and operational feasibility, we have decided not to resume our flights to Tel Aviv for the time being.”
At the same time, KLM confirmed that flights to Riyadh and Dammam have resumed and that service to Dubai is expected to restart shortly.
The abrupt reversal on Tel Aviv came after reports that KLM had been evaluating operational workarounds, including a technical stopover in Larnaca, Cyprus (LCA) to mitigate crew duty concerns and routing exposure. But whatever options were under review, the airline ultimately concluded that conditions were not sufficient to justify reinstating the route.
This is not unique to KLM. European carriers in particular have been recalibrating Middle East operations repeatedly over the past year as regional tensions flare and subside. Lufthansa, for example, is only currently operating daytime flights to Tel Aviv.
Airlines must weigh multiple factors simultaneously: government advisories, insurance exposure, overflight restrictions, crew willingness, aircraft routing, and the commercial implications of suspending service in competitive markets. Even if a destination airport is technically open, the routing required to reach it safely may add cost, complexity, or crew time that makes the flight impractical.
With the situation in Iran very uncertain at this point (though it appears the regime has prevailed for now…), this back-and-forth is not as haphazard as it may seem, especially when stronger unions can pressure the carrier over routes deemed unsafe for its members. Plus, with Iran’s continued threats to attack Israel and Israel’s tough rhetoric back (Iranian leaders may feel Iran needs its own “wag the dog” moment), there’s no denying the region is very fragile right now.
CONCLUSION
KLM’s pattern here reflects a cautious approach rather than indecision. Restarting a route too quickly only to suspend it again carries reputational risk and frustrates passengers who are rebooked multiple times. Waiting too long, however, cedes market presence to competitors willing to assume greater risk.
For now, Tel Aviv remains off the schedule, while Saudi Arabia operates and Dubai is poised for return. Whether that balance holds will depend less on demand and more on how the broader security situation evolves in the coming weeks.
Do you think airlines like KLM and Lufthansa are being appropriately cautious in the region, or overly reactive?
*sigh* I would like to visit Israel, but have been holding out, and will continue to do so a bit longer.
The real question here: Will those Business Class passengers be disappointed if KLM cancels and they have to take Air France without receiving a delft blue house? I know I’d be livid. Need to expand my collection!
Does KL market TLV as “World Business Class”? I don’t think so, which would mean no Delft houses.
Ugh, they why even bother… LOL.
Is there any inbound demand at all to Israel? I read an article the other day, I believe from Haaretz, talking about how low occupancy rates are. Not just in TLV and Jerusalem, but also places like Nazareth. US church tours are dead, Europeans seeking sun are gone. Does KL really need to operate this route?
Well, we’ve got carrier groups inbound, and it’s post-holiday mid-winter now, so pretty dead for everywhere, until the spring-break crowds warm up (not necessarily an Israel-thing, but, still.)
Inbound demand has been near dead since the war started. There’s VFR and not much more.
But outbound demand is strong, and I’m sure KLM can fill planes with this.
Israeli and pseudo-Israeli airlines (like Tus and BlueBird) are busy trying to wet-lease any capacity they can get, when mainstream EU carriers are away.
That’s actually not true about lack of Israeli travel. I tried to join a couple tours which were sold out. Our church could not boook any tours in 2026 due to no availability. The earliest we could get space was March of 2027. I’m booked on an 11 May trip of this year. Delta is adding a second JFK flight and restarting both BOS and ATL to TLV
No western airline should be serving Tel Aviv in the wake of the genocide in Gaza and it should not be considered until the State of Israel has made full reparations for the damage done – with out the help of Criminal Trump who is as guilty as Netanyahu.
I know, right? Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthi, USUS….all these hate filled Islamists are genocidally killing the Jews – eliminate the infidels is there battle cry. Their promise to rid the world of Jews and eliminate Israel. Meanwhile, hate filled Socialist Antisemites are hating on Israel for defending its self, protecting her people and sovereignty !