Dutch Airline KLM Temporarily Suspends Flights To The Middle East

THE HAGUE, Jan 24 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Dutch flag carrier KLM has temporarily suspended flights to the Middle East, according to Dutch media on Friday, reported Xinhua.

Dutch public broadcaster NOS said the airline is not flying through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel, and "over several countries in the Gulf region."

Flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh are canceled "until further notice."

The specific reason was not disclosed but only cited " the geopolitical situation".

A KLM spokesperson said, "We are in close contact with the government and will ultimately make our own safety assessment."

KLM has staff in Dammam and Dubai. They will be picked up tomorrow, the airline said.  

--BERNAMA-XINHUA