Air France-KLM, Lufthansa Halt Flights to Israel and Other Middle Eastern Destinations Amid Tensions

In response to rising tensions in the Middle East, both Air France-KLM and German airline Lufthansa have suspended services to Israel and certain other destinations in the region, Bloomberg reports.

Air France announced the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut until September 19. Meanwhile, Lufthansa has suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran, the Iranian capital. The German airline will also avoid flying through both Iranian and Israeli airspace.

The decision comes after heightened anxieties following an attack in Lebanon, which Iran-backed Hezbollah claims was orchestrated by Israel. The attack, which resulted in several fatalities and nearly 3,000 injured, has raised fears of an escalation into full-scale war.

Airlines are increasingly facing the challenge of navigating the volatile geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, resulting in frequent and often last-minute flight suspensions.

Air France has assured affected passengers that they have been notified and offered refunds or the option to reschedule their flights.