KLM Has Cancelled These Flights

KLM, the airline of the Netherlands, has confirmed the extension of flight cancellations to Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia as tensions across the region escalate.

The move comes amid regional instability that has been a persistent threat over the last two weeks and aligns with other European carriers, which have also made similar cancellations to preserve the safety of crew and passengers.

Stranded KLM 787 Leaves the Middle East

KLM’s first of a plethora of updates regarding its situation in the Middle East includes a stranded 787 Dreamliner, which had been grounded at Dubai International Airport since 28 February, when the conflict first broke out.

The airline confirmed that this Dreamliner has now returned to the Netherlands, with its departure from Dubai only occurring once a detailed safety assessment was completed

The successful completion of this safety assessment involved determining whether the conditions present were suitable for a non-commercial repositioning flight to return the jet to the airline’s hub.

KLM said that, if possible, it would have naturally operated this flight with passengers aboard, but under the current circumstances, it was unsafe to do so, and it was not responsible for having passengers aboard the jet.

Instead, the airline continues to seek to assist in the repatriation of stranded passengers through close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Now Flights Cancelled Until Late March

The other substantial update, from KLM, was confirmation that the service suspension would be extended to Riyadh and Dammam until 28 March, 2026.

The Dutch carrier is citing ongoing geopolitical unrest in the Middle East as the reason these flights will remain suspended in the short term.

KLM adds that the safety of its passengers and crew remains top priority, and, as a result, passengers booked on these flights can rebook free of charge or request a refund through its platform

Furthermore, the airline promises to keep customers informed as the situation continues to evolve by the day, with ongoing discussions about when these services will be deemed safe enough to resume, a timeline that remains unclear.

Why Is This Happening?

KLM’s move to cancel flights is all linked to the escalating tensions across the Middle East following US and Israeli-led strikes on Iran, where subsequent retaliatory strikes have raised concerns over the safety of civilian travel routes.

Airlines over the last two weeks have seen full operational shutdowns, limited returns to flying, cancelled routes, altered flight paths, and more to cope with what’s taking place.

Most recently, Air New Zealand confirmed that it would be forced to cancel flights in the coming months as it reduces service frequency to specific destinations while battling the effects of the conflict and rising jet fuel prices.

While Dutch authorities work around the clock with KLM to understand how the situation is evolving and coordinate safe travel options for those who need repatriation, scheduled passenger flights are a no-go.