European airlines suspend flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Middle East amid rising Iran tensions

Air France and KLM have suspended flights to cities in the Middle East, including Dubai and Riyadh, amid rising tensions between Iran and the US. 

The United States has imposed sanctions on nine vessels of what is known as the shadow fleet and eight related firms, the US Treasury Department said, as the Trump administration sought to escalate pressure on Iran over the recent killing of protesters.

President Trump said the United States has an “armada” heading toward Iran but that he hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters.

Iran responded by saying any attack will be treated “as an all-out war against us,” ahead of the arrival of the US military aircraft carrier strike group.

Flights to Dubai suspended over Iran – US tensions

“This military buildup – we hope it is not intended for real confrontation – but our military is ready for the worst-case scenario. This is why everything is on high alert in Iran,” said an anonymous senior Iranian official.

As the geopolitical concerns heighten, airlines flying over Iranian territory temporarily suspended flights.

In a statement to news agencies, Air France said: ““Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the company has decided to temporarily suspend its service to Dubai”.

France’s national carrier said it is “constantly monitoring the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft” and would maintain “the highest level of safety and security” on all flights.

“Air France is monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule.”

KLM, based in Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, added that it has suspended flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Tel Aviv.

Speaking to a Dutch public broadcaster the airline did not give a reason for the suspension of flights to countries in the Middle East, but added that it was in contact with national authorities to monitor the situation.