Several international airlines, including Air France and KLM, have temporarily suspended flights to the Middle East over fears of a possible US military operation in Iran. Concerns in the region have intensified after US President Donald Trump said a “large fleet” was moving towards Iran.
Al Jazeera reported that Dutch airline KLM has suspended flights to cities in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia until further notice. It has also decided not to use the airspace of Iraq, Iran and several countries in the Gulf region.
Air France said in a statement on Friday that flights to Dubai have been temporarily suspended due to the current security situation in the Middle East. The company added that it will monitor the situation and make further decisions.
Meanwhile, President Trump has spoken about the US military preparedness. He told reporters after the World Economic Forum that the US is deploying an “armada” to keep up pressure on Iran. US media reports have reported that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has been ordered to the Middle East.
“I don’t want anything to happen. But we’re watching the situation very closely,” Trump said.
Analysts believe that the emerging situation has increased uncertainty about air traffic and regional security.