Overview
- EASA’s conflict-zone bulletin to avoid Iranian airspace, issued after heightened US–Iran tensions including a US naval deployment, remains the primary trigger for route changes.
- KLM resumed Riyadh and Dammam on January 27, plans a limited Dubai service from January 30, and says Tel Aviv remains suspended following contradictory reports of a restart.
- Lufthansa Group is steering clear of Iranian, Iraqi, Kuwaiti and Bahraini airspace, extending Tehran cancellations to March 28 and restricting Tel Aviv and Amman to daylight operations.
- Operational adjustments include longer routings and technical refuelling stops in Cyprus and Greece, with Wizz Air and Eurowings reporting added time and delays.
- Consumer pushback intensified after KLM declined to rebook passengers on January 24–25 under EC261, even as the carrier later said affected travelers have now been rebooked.