KLM faces flight disruptions and fuel shortages amid rising global tensions and war in the Middle East. Europe's oldest airline, founded in 1919.
As of February 2, 2026, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack would trigger a regional war, amid a US naval buildup led by the USS Abraham Lincoln. Despite threats, both sides signal readiness for negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and protest crackdown. Iran's parliament designated EU militaries as terrorists in retaliation for EU's IRGC designation. Death toll from protests ranges from 3,117 to over 6,700.
Western countries including the UK, US, France, and Germany have issued travel advisories and evacuated embassy staff from Israel and Iran due to escalating regional tensions. The US has increased military presence, and diplomatic talks are ongoing to prevent conflict amid fears of escalation following Iran's stalled nuclear negotiations.
Since February 28, 2026, coordinated US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, triggering widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. Key hubs including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi suspended operations, canceling thousands of flights and stranding hundreds of thousands globally. Airlines rerouted flights, causing delays and increased costs, with uncertainty over the duration of disruptions.
Several Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Israel, and Qatar, closed their airspace on Saturday, affecting major airlines and rerouting flights. European and US carriers also adjusted routes, leading to delays and cancellations amid escalating regional tensions.
Israel has restricted outbound flights from Ben Gurion Airport to one per hour with 50 passengers, due to Iranian missile threats. Many international airlines have canceled or suspended flights, disrupting Passover travel plans. Israeli carriers are shifting some operations to neighboring airports in Egypt and Jordan.
As of April 2026, United Airlines has increased checked baggage fees to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second across the US, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America. JetBlue also raised fees, charging up to $49 for the first bag during peak times. These hikes respond to soaring jet fuel prices caused by Middle East tensions disrupting oil supplies, notably through the Strait of Hormuz.
European airlines are shifting routes and cancelling flights due to a looming jet fuel shortage caused by the ongoing Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. The International Energy Agency warns Europe has about six weeks of fuel left, risking widespread disruptions this summer.
The International Energy Agency has warned that Europe has about six weeks of jet fuel supplies remaining, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East drives fuel prices higher and disrupts supply chains. Airlines are reducing routes and raising fares amid these shortages, which are expected to impact travel costs and availability.