AMSTELVEEN- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) will resume flights between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on August 25 after a six-month suspension caused by the ongoing regional security situation.
While KLM (KL) is restoring its Tel Aviv (TLV) service, the airline will continue suspending flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB), Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH), and Dammam King Fahd International Airport (DMM) until at least October 24.
KLM Restarts Tel Aviv Operations
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) has confirmed that scheduled passenger flights between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) will resume on August 25, marking the airline’s return to Israel after suspending operations for approximately six months.
The route was halted earlier this year because of the evolving security situation in the region. Like several international carriers, KLM has repeatedly adjusted its network in response to changing geopolitical conditions across the Middle East.
Although commercial flights will resume, KLM is implementing a revised operational procedure for its crews. Instead of remaining overnight in Israel, flight crews will stay in Larnaca, Cyprus (LCA), before operating the return service to Amsterdam.
The Amsterdam to Tel Aviv flights will therefore include a technical stop in Larnaca. This arrangement allows crew members to avoid overnight stays in Israel while maintaining scheduled operations on the route.
KLM stated that the Cyprus overnight procedure will remain in place until further notice. The airline has not provided a timeline for when normal crew layovers in Tel Aviv may resume, NL Times flagged.
Middle East Route Suspensions Continue
The restart of the Tel Aviv route does not indicate a broader restoration of KLM’s Middle East network.
The airline confirmed that flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH), and Dammam King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Saudi Arabia will remain suspended through October 24.
These services have also been paused for several months because of the regional conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. KLM has not announced revised restart dates for any of these destinations.
The carrier did not explain why Tel Aviv service is returning ahead of the other suspended Middle East routes.
Network Decisions Based on Operational Factors
When asked about the differing schedules, KLM said it continuously evaluates its route network based on commercial and operational considerations.
The airline did not provide additional details regarding the specific factors behind the decision to resume Tel Aviv flights while extending suspensions on Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam services.
International airlines have frequently modified schedules to Israel and neighboring destinations since the conflict intensified. Flight resumptions and suspensions have often depended on operational risk assessments, government travel advisories, insurance requirements, airport conditions, and crew safety considerations.
KLM’s latest decision reflects its strategy of gradually restoring selected routes while maintaining additional operational safeguards for flight crews.
Crew Safety Remains a Key Priority
The decision to accommodate crews in Cyprus highlights KLM’s continued focus on operational safety while reintroducing service to Israel.
By positioning crew members in Larnaca rather than Tel Aviv, the airline can operate the route without requiring overnight stays in an active conflict area. The temporary arrangement also provides operational flexibility should the security situation change.
KLM has indicated that the crew accommodation plan will remain effective until further notice, with future adjustments expected to depend on ongoing operational assessments.
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