Exclusive; KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 'Immediately' Halts Flights Over Israel and Iran

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced on Saturday, April 13, in a special correspondence with the Persian section of Voice of America that it has halted its flights over Iran and Israel 'immediately.' However, the airline added that flights to and from Tel Aviv will continue. In this correspondence, KLM emphasized the safety of its passengers and crew as its top priority, stating that it is in contact with the Dutch government and other governments and is closely monitoring the situation in the region, especially in Iran and Israel. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways responded to a question from the Persian section of Voice of America, saying, 'Flights to Tel Aviv are still ongoing, and we are monitoring the situation as the safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority.' Additionally, Fly Dubai told the Persian section of Voice of America that, as per their response a few days ago, there has been no change in their flights. Prior to KLM, Air France announced late on Friday that it would not fly over Iranian airspace due to 'crisis conditions.' According to this announcement, the decision was made following 'high tensions in the Middle East.' As stated by an Air France spokesperson, three flights belonging to this airline changed their routes that were supposed to fly over Iranian skies, and they will arrive at their destinations with several hours of delay. The Australian airline Qantas also announced on Friday that due to the risks posed by a potential Iranian attack on Israel, direct flights between Perth and London will temporarily not cross Iranian airspace. Earlier, two airlines, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, also reported the suspension and rerouting of their flights to Iran. Austrian Airlines stated on Friday to the Persian section of Voice of America that 'due to Middle Eastern conditions' and after 'thorough evaluations,' it has extended the suspension of its flights from and to Tehran until Friday, April 21. The airline added that 'long-haul flights will be rerouted away from Iranian airspace.' Austrian Airlines emphasized that the 'main priority' is the safety of its passengers and crew and that the situation in the Middle East is under continuous evaluation, maintaining close contact with relevant authorities. Just hours earlier, Lufthansa had similarly informed the Persian section of Voice of America that after 'thorough evaluations,' it has extended the suspension of its flights from and to Tehran until Friday, April 21. In this exclusive written response to Voice of America, Lufthansa stated that during this period, it will also not use Iranian airspace. This German flag carrier added that until Tuesday, April 25, flights to and from Amman, the capital of Jordan, will be conducted during the day, allowing the airline's crews to return directly to Frankfurt without overnight stops. Lufthansa reiterated that the safety of its passengers and crew is its 'main priority,' adding that it does not rely solely on government assessments but also evaluates the current security situation before making decisions. The renewed extension of flight suspensions from and to Iran or over Iranian airspace by several airlines came after Lufthansa stated on Thursday, April 21, that after thorough evaluations, it had extended the suspension of its flights from and to Tehran until Sunday, April 24. This occurred amid reports that the Islamic Republic may launch a large-scale attack against Israel on Friday, according to CBS News citing two American officials. Bloomberg also reported on Friday, citing 'sources familiar with Western intelligence assessments,' that Israel is preparing for a 'direct and unprecedented' attack by the Islamic Republic against its state targets. These intelligence sources added that the Islamic Republic may carry out its attacks within the next 48 hours using drones and precision missiles. According to these sources, the United States is simultaneously ramping up its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions while preparing defensive measures and moving more military assets to the region. CNN also reported hours earlier, citing a senior government official and a knowledgeable source, that U.S. assessments indicate that Iranian attacks on Israel will be direct and target several locations within Israel. While many global news agencies reported on Friday about the imminent attack by the Islamic Republic on Israeli interests, the President of the United States stated on Friday in response to a question about the timing and location of a potential Iranian attack on Israeli interests, 'I don't want to disclose classified information, but this attack will happen sooner or later.' Joe Biden also warned Iranian leaders, saying, 'Don't do it; the United States is committed to defending Israel, and you will not succeed.' Following the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the former commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in January 2020, and the IRGC's retaliatory missile attack on U.S. bases in Iraq, the PS752 flight of Ukraine International Airlines was shot down by IRGC missiles, killing all 176 passengers on board. This tragedy led airlines to adopt special safety and security measures when tensions in the region escalate beyond a certain level.