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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has halted all flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport until October 26, according to a report from Reuters. The decision was made following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act widely attributed to Israel, escalating tensions in the region.
The suspension aligns KLM with several other major airlines that have recently ceased flights to Israel. Air France, Germany’s Lufthansa, the U.S.’s Delta and United Airlines, Swiss International Air, and Hungary’s budget airline Wizz Air have also paused their operations in Tel Aviv, reflecting growing concerns over safety and stability.
KLM, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, is headquartered in Amstelveen with its primary hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Established in 1919, KLM holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest airline still in operation. It is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM group and a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance.
The decision to suspend flights is a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety amid the volatile situation. This move by KLM and other airlines underscores the broader impact of geopolitical conflicts on global travel and the aviation industry.
Travelers affected by the cancellations are advised to check with their airlines for updates and alternative arrangements. The ongoing situation remains fluid, and airlines are expected to monitor developments closely.
The aviation sector’s response to the escalating crisis highlights the intersection of international politics and global travel, with passenger safety remaining a top priority.