KLM Resumes Flights to Dubai Riyadh Dammam and Tel Aviv in February 2026 Reviving Key Middle Eastern Routes
Published on
February 5, 2026
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced the resumption of its flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, and Tel Aviv in February 2026, after previously suspending these routes as a precautionary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning from February 1, KLM has resumed limited operations to Dubai, followed by services to Tel Aviv, Israel, and flights to Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia. The adjustments are part of the airline’s broader recovery strategy as it rebuilds its Middle Eastern network and continues to prioritize the safety of passengers and crew.
Dubai Welcomes the Return of Direct Flights
Dubai, one of the most sought-after destinations in the Middle East, will again be accessible with KLM’s resumed direct flights from Amsterdam. The city, known for its extravagant shopping, towering skyscrapers, vast deserts, and cultural landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, continues to be a top spot for international tourists.
For Dutch and European travelers, this reopening of direct connections to Dubai offers increased flexibility and more travel options. It also marks a return to one of the most dynamic cities globally, where tourism continues to thrive. KLM’s restart of this route provides a reliable and safe travel option, catering to both leisure and business travelers eager to explore Dubai’s vibrant atmosphere and world-class attractions.
Strengthening Business and Tourism Connections to Saudi Arabia
In addition to Dubai, KLM has also brought back its flights to Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh, the capital, is a central business hub for government and commercial sectors, while Dammam plays a key role as a port city with strong ties to the oil industry. Both cities are growing rapidly as travel destinations, thanks in part to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify its economy and increase tourism.
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The resumption of flights to Riyadh and Dammam is crucial for strengthening the connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Europe, offering direct flights for business travelers as well as those interested in exploring the country’s emerging tourism scene. This move helps KLM tap into the rising demand for travel to Saudi Arabia, which is attracting growing numbers of tourists and business professionals from around the world.
Tel Aviv Operations: Enhancing Regional Connectivity
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KLM is also resuming limited operations to Tel Aviv, Israel, on February 2 and 3, 2026. Tel Aviv, a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural, historical, and artistic scene, is one of the most important destinations in the Middle East. It offers Mediterranean beaches, thriving nightlife, and numerous attractions for both tourists and business visitors. With this service, KLM further solidifies its role in facilitating travel between Europe and the Middle East, ensuring that passengers can conveniently access Israel’s cultural and economic hub.
Ensuring Safe and Reliable Travel with Adjusted Schedules
KLM emphasizes that passenger and crew safety remain its top priority, and it has made necessary adjustments to flight schedules for all resumed routes. While services are being restored, the airline is maintaining flexibility in its operations, constantly adapting to changing travel conditions. This cautious approach ensures that travelers can safely reach their destinations while KLM optimizes its services to meet the current demand.
The resumption of these routes follows KLM’s broader strategy of recovering and enhancing its network of Middle Eastern destinations, aiming to offer more travel options to key cities and contribute to the region’s tourism revival. With ongoing evaluations of safety protocols and evolving conditions, KLM continues to prioritize passenger welfare while ensuring smooth operations.
Tourism Growth in the Middle East
The resumption of services to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, and Tel Aviv is an important milestone in the broader recovery of Middle Eastern tourism. Dubai, with its booming tourism industry, continues to be a top destination for international travelers. Riyadh and Dammam, as key Saudi cities, play an essential role in the Kingdom’s business expansion, and their growing appeal as tourism spots aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Israel’s Tel Aviv also contributes to the region’s flourishing tourism industry. With these destinations back on KLM’s route network, travelers from Europe now have more opportunities to visit some of the most historically and culturally significant locations in the Middle East.
Looking Ahead: KLM’s Expanding Middle Eastern Network
As KLM continues to adjust its operations, the airline is strategically enhancing its Middle Eastern network. These resumed flights represent the airline’s commitment to reinvigorating travel between Europe and the Middle East while maintaining operational flexibility and safety. KLM is also poised to expand its network in the coming years as the region stabilizes and the demand for travel grows.
By reintroducing services to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, and Tel Aviv, KLM is reaffirming its role as a key player in the European and Middle Eastern aviation sectors. The airline continues to offer travelers more options for business and leisure travel, fostering stronger connections between Europe and one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Conclusion: A New Era for Middle Eastern Travel
KLM’s decision to resume flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, and Tel Aviv is a crucial development for the Middle Eastern travel market, offering passengers more convenient and reliable options for reaching some of the region’s most exciting destinations. Whether for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, these resumed flights underscore KLM’s commitment to meeting the needs of its passengers while ensuring safe, flexible, and optimized travel. As tourism and business continue to rebound in the Middle East, KLM is well-positioned to support this growth by providing valuable connections between Europe and the region.
