KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will resume its Amsterdam Schiphol to Riyadh and Amsterdam to Dammam services from 25 October 2026, according to the airline’s current schedule. The routes have been suspended since March 2026, when KLM and fellow Air France-KLM group carrier Air France withdrew from Saudi Arabia citing uncertainty related to the regional security situation.
Air France has already resumed its Paris Charles de Gaulle to Riyadh service, while KLM’s return on 25 October brings the Dutch carrier back into alignment with the group’s broader winter schedule recovery across the Middle East.
Why Flights Were Suspended
KLM and Air France suspended Saudi Arabia routes in March 2026 as a precautionary measure following escalating Houthi activity targeting regional airports and airspace. The suspension was extended multiple times through the summer, with KLM initially citing uncertainty and noting that “current circumstances in the region still bring uncertainties” in a statement issued in July.
The KLM suspension was not specific to Saudi Arabia alone. The airline also suspended several other Middle East routes during the same period before gradually restoring service as the operational risk picture was reassessed.
We reported on the original suspension in July when KLM confirmed flights were cancelled through at least 6 September: KLM suspends Riyadh and Dammam flights until September 2026.
What’s Resuming
KLM’s Amsterdam to Riyadh and Amsterdam to Dammam routes are both expected to operate from 25 October 2026 as part of the airline’s winter schedule. Passengers who held bookings during the suspension period and took refunds or alternative arrangements will need to rebook for travel from this date.
Fares are available through KLM directly and through comparison platforms. Travellers connecting from the US, UK, or elsewhere in Europe may find KLM’s Amsterdam hub a convenient routing given Schiphol’s broad intercontinental connections.
Other European Carriers Back in Saudi Arabia
KLM’s return completes a broader wave of European airline resumptions into Saudi Arabia in the fourth quarter of 2026. Among the carriers now operating or recently restored:
- Air France resumed Paris Charles de Gaulle to Riyadh ahead of the KLM return
- Lufthansa continued Saudi operations throughout the period without interruption
- British Airways maintained its London Heathrow to Riyadh and Jeddah services
- Turkish Airlines continued Istanbul connections to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina
For a full picture of airlines and routes into the Kingdom, see our flights to Saudi Arabia guide.
Booking Advice
If you are planning travel from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia this winter and want to use KLM, verify the latest schedule directly with the airline before committing to connecting arrangements, as schedules are confirmed only for the near-term portion of the winter timetable at present. Use Aviasales to compare fares across all carriers serving the route.