PARIS- Air France (AF) has publicly denied reports claiming it canceled flights across the Middle East after misinformation spread following a decision by its sister airline.
The airline confirmed that services to Dubai International Airport, Dubai (DXB), and Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv (TLV) continued largely as scheduled, with only brief, limited disruption.
Air France Not Cancelling Gulf Flights
The confusion began after KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) announced the immediate suspension of all flights to the Middle East due to the regional security situation. KLM made clear the decision was taken independently, despite being part of the Air France KLM Group.
Shortly after KLM’s announcement, Air France temporarily canceled two nighttime flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris (CDG), to Dubai (DXB). The move was precautionary, allowing the airline time to assess operational risks and consult French government authorities.
Crucially, no additional routes were suspended. Daytime and subsequent services to Dubai resumed as planned, and flights to Tel Aviv (TLV) continued without interruption. According to PYOK, early reports failed to distinguish between a limited schedule adjustment and a full network suspension.
Media Reports Outpaced Verified Information
Several media outlets reported that Air France had halted all Middle East operations, including services to Israel and Saudi Arabia. Flight schedules and operational data did not support these claims.
Despite clear evidence that only two flights were briefly affected, some reports continued to suggest broader cancellations tied to potential regional escalation. These claims were inaccurate and contradicted publicly available flight records.
Air France Issues Rare Public Rebuttal
As misinformation spread on social media, Air France took the unusual step of responding directly to news organizations.
The airline clarified that it never suspended flights to Israel or Saudi Arabia and that Dubai services resumed the following day.
These statements were posted in direct replies to outlets such as Le Figaro and The Jerusalem Post, underscoring the airline’s effort to correct the narrative in real time.
British Airways Also Incorrectly Linked
British Airways (BA) was briefly included in reports suggesting airlines were broadly pulling out of the region. One canceled flight on Friday led to speculation, but the airline confirmed the disruption was due to a technical aircraft issue.
British Airways maintained its Middle East schedule throughout the weekend, with no security-related suspensions.
Airlines That Actually Changed Operations
At present, KLM remains the only airline to have fully suspended Middle East flights. Separately, Lufthansa Group carriers adjusted operations to Tel Aviv (TLV) by avoiding overnight layovers.
Affected airlines include Lufthansa (LH), Austrian Airlines (OS), SWISS (LX), and ITA Airways (AZ). These carriers continue operating daytime turnarounds, allowing crews to return without overnight stays in Israel.
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