Air France and KLM expand summer routes but halt Near East flights

Air France and KLM have announced major changes to their summer 2026 schedules. Both airlines are expanding capacity on popular routes while temporarily suspending flights to parts of the Near East due to ongoing security concerns. The adjustments come as the carriers prepare to serve more destinations across Europe and beyond. Air France will increase its long-haul capacity by two percent for the summer season. The airline will operate flights to nearly 170 destinations in 73 countries, including a new route to Las Vegas starting April 15, 2026. The Las Vegas service will run three times a week using an Airbus A350-900. Additionally, the carrier will introduce twice-daily flights to London Gatwick.

However, Air France has paused flights to Dubai and Riyadh until further notice. Alongside KLM, it has also suspended services to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Dammam until at least April 4, 2026. The suspensions follow escalating tensions in the region, including airstrikes, airspace closures, and the broader impact of the Iran conflict.

KLM, meanwhile, will expand its long-haul capacity by roughly four percent. The airline will also boost its intra-European seat capacity by about six percent. New routes to Jersey, Santiago de Compostela, and Oviedo will launch this summer. Like Air France, KLM has removed Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam, and Riyadh from its schedule, with suspensions lasting until May 17, 2026. The changes reflect both growth and caution in the airlines' summer plans. Air France and KLM are adding more flights to key destinations while avoiding areas affected by conflict. Passengers travelling to the Near East will need to seek alternative options until at least mid-2026.