Dutch foreign minister explains why KLM suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia
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Royal Dutch Airlines suspends flights over parts of the Middle East amid rising regional tensions.
Dutch Foreign Minister David Van Weel said in a television interview that the decision by Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) to suspend flights over parts of the Middle East and the Gulf reflects regional tensions and the unpredictability of U.S. military actions.
“I cannot confirm the exact reason… but the situation is tense. There is a military buildup. If the Americans decide to act, they may not necessarily inform others in advance. KLM is assessing the risks and acting accordingly,” Van Weel said.
He added that if KLM believes, based on its analysis, that something could happen this weekend, such a precautionary measure is entirely logical.
Van Weel also confirmed that the Dutch embassy in Tehran continues to operate routinely.
Earlier, KLM suspended flights over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and several Gulf countries due to rising regional tensions. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had previously advised airlines to avoid Iranian airspace amid U.S. threats.
Flight-tracking data showed that European carriers including Wizz Air, Lufthansa, and British Airways avoided flying over Iran and Iraq on Thursday and Friday, even after airspace was reopened.
