Dutch airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has cancelled several flights to destinations in the Middle East, citing ongoing unrest in the region and concerns over passenger and crew safety.
In its latest update issued on March 11, the airline announced that it would suspend flights to Dubai until March 28, while services to Riyadh and Dammam were also halted up to and including March 12.
“Due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, KLM has decided to cancel all flights to Dubai up to and including March 28,” the airline said in a statement.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We understand that this decision has a significant impact on our travelers and are doing everything possible to keep them well informed.”
KLM said passengers whose flights were cancelled would be notified directly and could either rebook their tickets free of charge or request a refund through the airline’s online “My Trip” service.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in contact with the relevant authorities,” the airline added. “As soon as there is any new information regarding the resumption of flights, we will inform our passengers immediately.”
The airline also confirmed it remains available to assist in repatriation efforts for stranded travelers, working in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
Earlier updates from the airline indicated that several repatriation flights had been planned or carried out to help Dutch travelers return home from the region. On March 7, a KLM aircraft transporting stranded travelers from Muscat via Cairo landed safely at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
“This morning a KLM aircraft from Muscat, via Cairo, landed safely at Schiphol Airport. Stranded travelers were on board,” the airline said, noting that the flight was conducted in cooperation with the Dutch foreign ministry.
However, some planned repatriation operations have been disrupted by the security situation. A repatriation flight from Muscat scheduled for early March was postponed, while another planned flight from Oman was later cancelled due to security concerns.
The airline said it continues to assess the situation daily and will only resume operations once the airspace is confirmed safe for civil aviation.
“Your safety remains our top priority. We will not resume flights until the airspace is confirmed safe for civil aviation,” the airline said in a message to affected passengers.
KLM also noted that it is working closely with partner airlines Air France and Delta Air Lines to help passengers find alternative travel options where possible.
Despite the disruptions, the airline said it remains committed to supporting passengers affected by the crisis and will continue coordinating with authorities to bring stranded travelers safely back to the Netherlands.
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