Air France Extends Flight Suspensions to Dubai and Riyadh
Heightened regional tensions following the recent escalation between the US and Iran have forced Air France to further delay the resumption of several key Middle Eastern routes. The French carrier confirmed on Tuesday that it is extending its suspension of flights to Beirut until August 2, while services to Riyadh and Dubai will remain grounded until July 24 and July 27, respectively. The airline emphasized that these decisions are based on ongoing security assessments of the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and restrictive airspace conditions, noting that all timelines are subject to change as the situation evolves.
To support passengers caught in the disruption, Air France is offering flexible rebooking and cancellation options, even for travelers whose specific flights haven’t been officially canceled. Meanwhile, the broader aviation industry remains in a state of flux; carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific have also implemented long-term schedule adjustments, with many pushing the resumption of routes to Dubai, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv deep into the autumn. While some airlines are cautiously monitoring the skies, the prevailing priority for global carriers remains the safety of crew and passengers as they navigate the unpredictable flight paths over the Middle East.