Multiple Airlines Suspend Flights To Middle East Over Safety Fears Amid US-Iran Tensions

Major international airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East amid escalating geopolitical tensions, raising concerns over potential military conflict between the United States and Iran. Carriers including Dutch airline KLM and Air France have temporarily halted services to key destinations in the region, including Dubai.

Speaking to news agency AFP, Air France announced that flight services to Dubai would be halted “due to the current situation in the Middle East.” KLM told public broadcaster NOS said it would not operate routes that require entering the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel and several countries in the Gulf.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa has limited its services to daytime flights to Israel and continues to avoid Iranian airspace.

In addition, United Airlines and Air Canada have also cancelled flights to Tel Aviv.

The disruption comes as the US ramps up military deployments in response to unrest in Iran, where nationwide protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime have drawn international attention. US President Donald Trump confirmed the movement of a naval “armada” toward Iran, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided-missile destroyers. While Trump has described the deployment as precautionary, it has fueled fears of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

“We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case… We have a big force going toward Iran, and maybe we won’t have to use it,” Trump told reporters, emphasising the precautionary nature of the maneuver.

Airlines are adjusting operations amid concerns over missile and drone threats to commercial aviation in the region. Last week, Iran temporarily closed its airspace for over four hours, causing significant disruptions for flights worldwide.

Authorities and carriers are monitoring the evolving situation closely to ensure passenger safety. KLM said it is coordinating with Dutch authorities, while Air France stated that it is following developments to maintain the security of its flights.

The combination of heightened military activity and regional instability has prompted airlines to take precautionary measures.