KLM reverses decision, cancels flights to Israel until further notice

“Based on the current security situation and operational feasibility, we have decided not to resume our flights to Tel Aviv for the time being.”

By World Israel News Staff

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has reversed course and announced it is canceling all flights to Israel until further notice, despite having previously said it planned to resume service later this month.

Earlier, KLM had announced it would restart flights to Israel on January 28 under a temporarily revised schedule, citing regional tensions and ongoing security assessments.

That plan has now been scrapped. In an updated statement, the airline said current conditions do not allow for a return to service.

“At all times, KLM prioritizes the safety of passengers and crew in the execution of its operations,” the airline said, adding that selecting safe and optimal routes is a standard part of its 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.”

The airline added that it has already resumed flights to other destinations in the region, including Riyadh and Dammam, and expects to restart operations to Dubai on Friday, January 30, while continuing to monitor developments before setting any timeline for a return to Israel.

The decision comes amid rising regional tensions tied to Iran and fears of a broader confrontation that could disrupt airspace across the Middle East.

Earlier this week, KLM and Air France confirmed they had paused flights to and over several countries in the region, citing a deteriorating security environment linked to escalating U.S.–Iran tensions.

KLM had also suspended flights to destinations including Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam, and adjusted routes to avoid airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and parts of the Gulf.

Germany’s Lufthansa has taken similar precautions, suspending overflights of Iranian and Iraqi airspace and limiting service to Tel Aviv and Amman.

Israeli officials have warned foreign carriers of heightened volatility. According to a report by Channel 12, Israel Civil Aviation Authority Director Shmuel Zakai recently cautioned international airlines that Israel could enter a “more sensitive period,” urging carriers to factor increased security risks into their operational decisions.

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