Major European airlines suspended flights to multiple Middle Eastern destinations this week amid heightened geopolitical tensions, creating ripple effects across global travel and trade networks. Air France and KLM joined Lufthansa Group in halting services to Israel and Gulf states through Friday night, with KLM citing "the geopolitical situation" as justification.
The suspensions follow Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's Friday warning that Israel continues seeking opportunities to strike Iran, despite risks of regional destabilization. "The reality is that Israel, in particular, is looking for an opportunity to attack Iran," Fidan told NTV during a televised interview.
Compounding tensions are newly expanded U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports and Tehran's allegations that recent domestic protests stem from Western-led sabotage efforts. Aviation analysts note the flight suspensions primarily affect business routes connecting Asia to Europe via Middle Eastern hubs, potentially disrupting supply chains and investor confidence.
While no direct hostilities have erupted, the precautionary measures reflect growing corporate unease about conflict spillover risks. Travel advisories for digital nomads and cultural tourists are being updated across several Asian governments, with particular attention to transit routes through affected airspace.
