KLM flight. Photo: bykot photo / Shutterstock Dutch airline KLM announced on October 26 that it has extended the suspension of flights between Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and Dubai until March 27, 2027, inclusive. This means the company will not operate the route throughout the 2026/2027 winter season, contrary to the previous plan, which said flights would resume after October 24.
The decision was made against the backdrop of security and operational uncertainty in the Middle East, which has led to changes in the flight schedules of international airlines in recent months.
At the same time, KLM announced the extension of the suspension of flights to two additional destinations in the region, Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, until November 27, 2026, inclusive. Until now, the suspension was in effect until October 31.
Unlike the route to Dubai, which was suspended until the end of the winter season, the suspension for flights to the two destinations in Saudi Arabia ends earlier.
This is a decision by KLM regarding its flight network, not a cessation of operations at Dubai airport or the cancellation of all flights to the destination.
The decision is expected to affect passengers who booked flights between Amsterdam and Dubai during the winter months, including those who planned to continue from Amsterdam to other destinations in the KLM network.
According to the company's announcement, passengers whose flights have been canceled will receive a personal message. It is recommended to check the booking details on the company's website or app and examine the options for changing the flight date, receiving an alternative flight or a refund, in accordance with the ticket terms and conditions and KLM guidelines.
At this stage, the number of flights canceled following the decision or the number of passengers expected to be affected by it has not been announced.
Dubai is one of the world's major aviation and tourism hubs, and its international airport serves as a transit point for passengers between Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The suspension of KLM's route reduces direct flight options between Amsterdam and Dubai, but does not indicate that other airlines will cease operations at the destination.
Currently, March 27, 2027 is the date set for the end of KLM's suspension of flights to Dubai. The company has not committed to resuming operations on that date.
Earlier this week, SWISS, followed by all companies in the Lufthansa Group, announced the suspension of flights to Dubai until the end of November 2026.