Air France resumes Dubai flights after six-month disruption, Riyadh services also return

Air France has resumed its flights to Dubai and Riyadh, ending a six-month disruption caused by regional tensions and restrictions on some airspaces. The French carrier had previously suspended these operations, with services to Dubai and Riyadh set to resume on August 26. However, flights to Beirut remain suspended until September 1, 2026.

Air France is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in the Near and Middle East. The return of Air France to the Dubai market comes as Dubai Airports reports a steady recovery in international airline capacity and passenger demand. The airline's CEO, Paul Griffiths, confirmed that Air France has already returned to the Dubai market and their loads are extremely strong.

Despite the conflict between the US and Iran, Dubai airports are operating near full capacity. Griffiths revealed that Dubai Airports is in advanced talks with several major international carriers interested in operating at DXB and DWC, including long-range narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A321XLR. Dubai International Airport is expected to hit 100 million passengers in 18 months, despite a 31% traffic drop in the first half of 2023.