Update October 10, 3:30 PM 
KLM will not operate flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until and including October 31.

Update August 7, 10:05 AM 
KLM will resume flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv as of August 25. KLM continuously adjusts its network based on operational considerations. The flight will operate with a technical stop in Larnaca, where the crew will stay overnight. Flights are available for booking as of August 6.

Update August 5, 10:00 AM 
KLM will not operate flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until and including October 24.

Update July 22, 11:10 AM 
KLM will not operate flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until and including September 6. 

Update July 1, 12:00 PM 
KLM will not operate flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until and including August 23.

Update June 16, 1:00 PM
KLM will not operate flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until and including August 9.

Update June 9, 10:45 AM
KLM will not operate flights to Riyadh and Dammam until and including July 26.
The situation for flights to Dubai remains unchanged: KLM will not operate flights to Dubai until and including August 2.

Update May 26, 5.00 PM 
KLM has decided to cancel flights to Dubai up to and including August 2. Flights to Riyadh and Dammam have been canceled up to and including July 12. 

Update May 06, 10.05 AM  
KLM has decided to cancel flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam up to and including June 28.

Update April 29, 7.15 PM
KLM has decided to cancel flights to Dubai up to and including June 22.
The situation regarding flights to Riyadh and Dammam remains unchanged; these flights have been canceled up to and including June 14.

Update April 21, 9.45 AM 
KLM has decided to cancel flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam up to and including June 14. Despite recent reporting about the situation in the Middle East, the current circumstances in the region still bring uncertainties. To provide clarity and certainty to travellers scheduled to fly to Riyadh and Dammam in the coming weeks, the cancellations have been extended. 

For Dubai, the situation remains unchanged from previous communications: flights to and from Dubai will remain cancelled up to and including June 14.

Update April 16, 3.40 PM
KLM has made a number of adjustments to its flight schedule for the coming month. This concerns a limited number of flights within Europe that, due to rising kerosene costs, are currently no longer financially viable to operate. There is no kerosene shortage. KLM will operate 80 fewer return flights to and from Schiphol, which is less than 1% of its European flights during that period.

Passengers affected by these changes will be rebooked onto the next available flight. As these are destinations KLM serves multiple times a day — such as London and Düsseldorf — travellers can usually be accommodated quickly.

KLM expects a busy May holiday period and is making sure passengers can travel to their holiday destinations as planned.

Update April 9, 7.00 PM
KLM has decided to cancel flights to and from Dubai until June 14. Despite recent reporting about the situation in the Middle East, the current circumstances in the region still bring uncertainties. To provide clarity and certainty to travellers scheduled to fly to Dubai in the coming weeks, the cancellations have been extended by one month. 
As previously announced, we will not operate flights to Riyadh and Dammam until at least 16 May.

Update March 19, 2.15 PM
Due to the ongoing geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, KLM has decided to cancel all flights to and from Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until 16 May.

The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We understand that this decision has a significant impact on our travelers and are doing everything possible to keep them well informed. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be notified personally. They can change their flight or request a refund on the KLM website.

We continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in contact with the relevant authorities. 

Update March 12, 3.10 PM
KLM’s Boeing 787, which had been at Dubai Airport since Saturday, 28 February, is currently en route to the Netherlands. KLM carefully assessed how this flight could be operated safely. Due to the security situation, additional measures were taken to ensure the safety of the flight. The airline would have preferred to carry passengers, but this was not deemed responsible at this time. KLM remains available to assist with the repatriation of stranded passengers; this is coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Update March 12, 2:00 PM
Due to the ongoing geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, KLM has decided to cancel all flights to Riyadh and Dammam through 28 March. 

The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We understand that this decision has a significant impact on our travelers and are doing everything possible to keep them well informed. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be notified and can rebook their tickets free of charge or request a refund via My Trip. 

We continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in contact with the relevant authorities. As soon as there is any new information regarding the resumption of flights, we will inform our passengers immediately. 

KLM remains available for the repatriation of stranded travelers. This is coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Update March 12, 10:00 AM
KLM will not operate flights to Riyadh and Dammam up to and including Saturday 14 March. We are closely monitoring developments.

Update March 11, 12:10 AM
Due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, KLM will also not be flying to Riyadh and Dammam up to and including Thursday, March 12. We are closely monitoring the situation.

Update March 11, 11:10 AM 
Due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, KLM has decided to cancel all flights to Dubai up to and including March 28. The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We understand that this decision has a significant impact on our travelers and are doing everything possible to keep them well informed. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be notified and can rebook their tickets free of charge or request a refund via My Trip. 

We continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in contact with the relevant authorities. As soon as there is any new information regarding the resumption of flights, we will inform our passengers immediately. 

KLM remains available for the repatriation of stranded travelers. This is coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Update March 10, 4:25 PM 
Due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, KLM will also not be flying to Dubai up to and including Wednesday, March 11. There are no scheduled flights to Riyadh and Dammam on March 11. We are closely monitoring the situation. 

Update March 9, 1:45 PM
The planned KLM repatriation flight from Muscat, Oman, has been cancelled. At this moment, KLM has not received a request for a subsequent repatriation flight. Transavia is preparing a repatriation flight from Hurghada, Egypt. KLM remains available to provide support should the Ministry of Foreign Affairs request assistance with repatriation.

Update March 7, 03:40 PM
The next repatriation flight operated by KLM, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been postponed. The flight from Muscat to Amsterdam was scheduled for 00:45 in the night of 7 to 8 March. The flight has been postponed due to the security situation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is informing the Dutch travellers who were due to be on this flight. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We continue to monitor the situation closely.

Update March 7, 08:15 AM
This morning at 08:09 AM, a KLM aircraft from Muscat, via Cairo, landed safely at Schiphol Airport. Stranded travelers were on board. The flight was operated in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Update March 6, 07:00 PM
Due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, KLM will also not be flying to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam up to and including Tuesday, March 10. We are closely monitoring the situation.

Update 5 March, 11:45 AM
On Friday, 6 March, KLM, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will operate a flight from Muscat (Oman) via Cairo to Schiphol. The flight is expected to arrive at Schiphol on Saturday morning.

Stranded Dutch travellers residing in the Kingdom of the Netherlands who have registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Crisis Contact Form and meet the eligibility criteria may be invited by the Ministry to travel on one of these flights.

Update March 4, 08.40 PM
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and KLM are currently preparing to operate another repatriation flight from the Middle East to the Netherlands. Details of the flight will be announced as soon as possible.

The flight is intended for stranded travelers residing in the Netherlands who are staying in the region. Travelers who wish to participate can register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Crisis Contact Form on the website. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will then determine who is eligible for the available seats and contact them. The ministry advises travelers to only come to the airport after receiving confirmation. This is due to the security situation.

Flights will, of course, only be operated if circumstances permit. The safety of passengers and crew is always paramount.

Update March 4, 08:00 PM
Due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, KLM will also not be flying to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam up to and including Sunday, March 8. We are closely monitoring the situation.

Update March 4, 08:20 AM
This morning, a KLM aircraft from Muscat landed safely at Schiphol. On board were stranded travelers and KLM colleagues. The flight was operated in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under exceptional circumstances for both passengers and crew.

For the travelers on board, this marks the end of an intense journey. KLM understands how impactful and uncertain the situation is for everyone in the conflict area. In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other airlines, KLM remains committed to bringing other stranded travelers in the Middle East safely back to the Netherlands.

Update March 3, 07:00 PM 
We are working together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find solutions to bring our passengers safely back to the Netherlands as soon as possible. For tonight’s flight, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for assigning passengers to the available seats. We are working on organizing any subsequent flights, and as soon as there is more clarity, we will communicate this through this website.

Update March 3, 03:45 PM
This morning, a KLM aircraft departed for Muscat, Oman, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring stranded travellers and KLM employees back to the Netherlands. We will not be providing any further details about the flight.

Update March 2, 04:00 PM

We are currently receiving many questions regarding the situation in the Middle East and its impact on KLM, our passengers, and our crew. The safety of our passengers and employees is always KLM’s highest priority.

This is what we can share at this time:

• Until March 5, KLM will not operate any flights to or from Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam.
• KLM does not operate flights to other destinations in the Middle East.
• Passengers whose flights have been canceled have been informed. As soon as possible, they will be rebooked. We are closely monitoring the situation.
• We cannot provide an exact number of KLM passengers currently unable to return from Dubai, Dammam, and Riyadh. The number of cancellations does not tell the full story: some travelers never departed, others only used these destinations to transfer and have since found alternative routes, while for others, these cities are their final destinations because they live there. For this reason, the number of cancellations does not accurately reflect the number of KLM passengers still in the region.
• We are constantly assessing which passengers wish to return and are doing our utmost to inform everyone personally and assist them as quickly as possible. Please also refer to the letter from CEO Marjan Rintel to our passengers in the March 1, 19:15 update.
• For KLM staff currently in the region, we are developing scenarios for their return to the Netherlands.
• Unfortunately, the situation in the Middle East remains highly uncertain. At this time, we do not know when it will be safe to resume operations. The safety of our passengers and colleagues remains our top priority and we continue to monitor developments closely.

Update March 1, 07:15 PM
KLM is sending the following letter to affected passengers:

Update: your KLM flight to or from the Middle East 

Recent developments in the Middle East are affecting our flights. Due to the security situation, we have canceled all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam through March 5, 2026. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as information about future flights becomes available. 

Your safety remains our top priority. We will not resume flights until the airspace is confirmed safe for civil aviation. We understand this situation may significantly affect you, whether you are traveling, have plans, or are awaiting news from loved ones. 

Our teams are working around the clock to support passengers in the region or with upcoming travel plans. We assess each case individually to determine options for continuing, rebooking, or canceling your journey. To provide more alternatives, we are coordinating closely with Air France and Delta Air Lines. 

What this means for you 
• If you have a ticket to or from any destination in the Middle East, we will contact you directly as soon as we have more information about your trip. You can also check our app or My Trip on klm.com for updates. 
• You can rebook or request a refund free of charge through My Trip or our customer service while this situation continues. 
• If you are currently traveling in the region, we will contact you as soon as travel becomes possible. 
We understand that updates may not fully ease your concerns. I want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to assist you safely, carefully, and as quickly as we can. Thank you for your understanding, patience, and trust. 

Sincerely, 

Marjan Rintel CEO KLM


Update March 1, 05:15 PM
Due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, KLM will not operate any flights from Amsterdam to Dubai, Riyadh, or Dammam through March 5. The safety of our passengers and staff is always KLM’s highest priority. Passengers whose flights have been canceled have already been informed. As soon as possible, they will be rebooked. We continue to closely monitor the situation.

Update March 1, 01:15 PM
The situation in the Middle East remains uncertain. Therefore, KLM is not operating any flights to destinations in the Gulf region. KLM is currently assessing what the situation means for tomorrow’s flights.

Update February 28, 07:15 PM
Due to the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, KLM is, as a precaution, cancelling two flights that were scheduled for tomorrow. This concerns today’s postponed flight from Dubai to Amsterdam, as well as the flight from Amsterdam to Riyadh and Dammam. The safety of our passengers and staff is always KLM’s highest priority. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled have already been informed. They will be rebooked as soon as possible. We continue to closely monitor the situation.

Update February 28, 01:45 PM
Due to the geopolitical situation and the closure of various airspaces in the Gulf region, KLM is currently not flying through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, and Israel, nor over several countries in the Gulf region. As a result, we will not be operating flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam today. Because of the uncertainty of the situation, it is not yet clear what this will mean for flights scheduled for tomorrow. Passengers whose flights have been canceled have been informed. As soon as possible, passengers will be rebooked. Passengers who choose not to travel anymore can request a voucher or a full refund. We continue to closely monitor the situation.

Earlier this week, KLM decided, for operational and commercial reasons, to temporarily suspend flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv as of March 1.

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Final update – February 10
At KLM, the safety of our passengers and employees is always our top priority when operating our flights. Selecting safe and optimal routes is a standard part of our daily practice. Based on the current security situation and operational feasibility, we are operating our flights to Tel Aviv with an adjusted schedule. The same applies to our flights to Dubai. We have already resumed our flights to Riyadh and Dammam. For the most up‑to‑date travel information, please visit klm.com.

Update February 6
At all times, KLM prioritizes the safety of passengers and crew in the execution of its operations. Selecting safe and optimal routes is a standard part of our daily practice. Based on the current security situation and operational feasibility, we have decided to resume our flights to Tel Aviv to February 15 with an adjusted schedule. From February 1 through 15, we will operate flights to Dubai, also with an adjusted schedule. We have resumed flights to other destinations in the region, such as Riyadh and Dammam. 

Update February 4
At all times, KLM prioritizes the safety of passengers and crew in the execution of its operations. Selecting safe and optimal routes is a standard part of our daily practice. Based on the current security situation and operational feasibility, we have decided to resume our flights to Tel Aviv on February 3 and from February 5 to February 15 with an adjusted schedule. From February 1 through 8, we will operate flights to Dubai, also with an adjusted schedule. We have resumed flights to other destinations in the region, such as Riyadh and Dammam.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and will determine our flight schedules accordingly.

Update February 3
At all times, KLM prioritizes the safety of passengers and crew in the execution of its operations. Selecting safe and optimal routes is a standard part of our daily practice. Based on the current security situation and operational feasibility, we have decided to resume our flights to Tel Aviv on February 3 and from February 5 to February 15 with an adjusted schedule. From February 1 through 6, we will operate flights to Dubai, also with an adjusted schedule. We have resumed flights to other destinations in the region, such as Riyadh and Dammam.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and will determine our flight schedules accordingly.

Update January 31
At all times, KLM prioritizes the safety of passengers and crew in the execution of its operations. Selecting safe and optimal routes is a standard part of our daily practice. Based on the current security situation and operational feasibility, we have decided to resume our flights to Tel Aviv on February 2 and 3 with an adjusted schedule. From February 1 through 6, we will also operate flights to Dubai, also with an adjusted schedule. We have already resumed flights to other destinations in the region, such as Riyadh and Dammam. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will determine our flight schedules accordingly.

Update January 28
At all times, KLM prioritizes the safety of passengers and crew in the execution of its operations. Selecting safe and optimal routes is a standard part of our daily practice. Based on the current security situation and operational feasibility, we have decided not to resume our flights to Tel Aviv for the time being. We are already operating flights again to other destinations in the region, such as Riyadh and Dammam. For Dubai, we expect to restart operations from Friday, January 30. We continue to monitor the situation closely.

Update January 26
Based on the most recent safety analysis, we have decided to resume operations to Dammam and Riyadh according to the regular schedule starting Tuesday, January 27. Options for Dubai and Tel Aviv are currently being explored. We are closely monitoring the situation. All passengers who were affected by canceled flights in recent days due to the situation in the Middle East have now been rebooked. Travelers who prefer not to travel anymore may request a refund for their original flight.

Update January 24
Due to the geopolitical situation, KLM is currently avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Israel as a precaution, as well as the airspace over several countries in the Gulf region. This means that, until further notice, we will not be operating flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Tel Aviv. Passengers whose flight has been canceled have been informed. KLM has decided not to rebook passengers onto flights on 24 or 25 January, as other airlines are also canceling flights to the Middle East. Passengers will be rebooked as soon as possible. Passengers who choose not to travel can request a voucher or a full refund. We continue to monitor the situation.

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Passengers received the following letter from KLM: (Note: the first paragraph of this letter will be amended based on the current situation)

{subject} Update: your flight to or from Dammam, Dubai, Riyadh, or Tel Aviv

We are reaching out to you with an important update about the security situation in the Middle East. Due to safety considerations, KLM has decided to cancel all flights to/from/via [name of destination] on [date]. We are monitoring the situation closely. 

Have you already been rebooked? Unfortunately, this may mean that you will need to be rebooked again in the coming days, depending on how the situation develops.

We understand that this is inconvenient and may cause uncertainty. We will, of course, do everything we can to fly you to your destination as quickly as possible.

What should I do if my flight has been canceled?

If your flight has been canceled, we will automatically rebook you onto the first available flight. You can also rebook yourself – we have prepared your rebooking options in the KLM app and in My Trip: https://www.klm.nl/en/trip.

Would you rather not travel anymore? You can request a refund for the original flight: https://www.klm.nl/en/refund. 

Connecting flight
Are you missing your connecting flight due to the security situation in the Middle East? We will ensure that you are automatically rebooked on the next available flight. Our ground staff is ready to assist you. Please check your new travel details in My Trip: https://www.klm.nl/en/trip.

Your rights and compensation
For more information on your rights, please visit https://www.klm.nl/en/information/legal/assistance-compensation. Please note that you may be legally entitled to compensation. You can read more about this at https://www.klm.nl/en/information/refund-compensation.

Booked through a travel agency
If your booking was made through a travel agency, please contact your agent directly for assistance with your booking.

Contact us

Do you have questions or need support? We are here for you. Please get in touch with us at: https://www.klm.nl/en/contact.

We understand that our decision is serious and affects your travel plans. However, the safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Wi-Fi, powered by Starlink
KLM has chosen Starlink to deliver ultra-fast Wi-Fi on intercontinental flights. Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet from a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, with coverage over oceans and remote routes as well as land. It delivers fast, reliable broadband that can support email, browse the internet, listen to music, play games, or stream movies and TV series. From the moment passengers and crew step aboard, Starlink keeps them connected throughout the flight, anywhere in the world.

Free Wi-Fi service will be available to Flying Blue members. Passengers can log in with their Flying Blue account to get online. Passengers who are not yet Flying Blue members can sign up before their flight or during the flight via the onboard portal. Once registered, they can use the free Wi-Fi service on equipped aircraft.

Since the beginning of this year, KLM has also been offering free, fast and unlimited Wi-Fi on most of its European fleet. This made KLM one of the first European airlines to offer free internet access to passengers traveling within Europe.

A shared pioneering spirit

As the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name, KLM has played an important role in the development of international aviation for 107 years. From pioneering a unique hub-and-spoke network model to opening new European and intercontinental routes, KLM has continuously sought new ways to connect the Netherlands with the world.

KLM continues to innovate today. The celebration of its 107th anniversary falls during a week in which the airline is taking a concrete step toward future-ready aviation with the arrival of its first Airbus A350. This aircraft is cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient than previous generations and will soon be deployed on several intercontinental routes.

KLM recognizes that same pioneering spirit in De Kleine Schorre. When the vineyard was established on Zeeland soil in 2001, it was met with considerable skepticism. After all, premium wine was associated with the sunny hills of Southern Europe, not the heavy marine clay and salty winds of Schouwen-Duiveland. Defying expectations, De Kleine Schorre grew into a leading Dutch winery. Today, passengers from around the world enjoy its Zeeland wines from September to November in KLM World Business Class.

Valued craftsmanship

What connects KLM and the Zeeland winery goes beyond their long-standing partnership. Both combine craftsmanship with innovation and share the ambition to make a difference in their respective fields. This focus on quality, hospitality, and entrepreneurship forms the foundation of a partnership that has now lasted more than 20 years.

About the Delft Blue miniature houses

Since the 1950s, KLM has presented Delft Blue miniature houses to World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights. Since the 1990s, the houses have been filled with Bols Genever. They are miniature versions of notable buildings in the Netherlands and elsewhere and have become highly sought-after collectibles.

Since 1994, the number of houses in the collection has corresponded with KLM’s age. Each year on October 7, KLM’s anniversary, a new house is added to the collection. House No. 107 is the third landmark from Zeeland to be included in the series, following earlier houses in Middelburg (No. 6) and Veere (No. 22).

Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM: “We’re delighted to welcome our first A350 to Schiphol. This is an important milestone for KLM and for the Netherlands. Fleet renewal is one of the most effective ways we can make our operations cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient. We already have 17 A321neos flying on our European routes, and with the arrival of the A350, we’re taking the next step in renewing our intercontinental fleet. That means more comfort for our passengers, while also reducing our impact on our surroundings.”

Dutch Masterpieces Inspire Aircraft Names
For more than a century, KLM has connected the Netherlands with the rest of the world The airline has chosen well-known Dutch works of art as the inspiration for the names of its Airbus A350 aircraft. The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn is an iconic work of art and perhaps the Netherlands’ best-known masterpiece, attracting visitors from around the world to the Rijksmuseum. The first A350 carries a name that is deeply rooted in Dutch culture and instantly recognizable around the world. The second aircraft will be named Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Quieter and More Comfortable
Over the coming years, the Airbus A350 will replace part of KLM’s current intercontinental fleet. The aircraft uses approximately 25% less fuel than previous-generation aircraft. Its noise footprint is also approximately 40% smaller, meaning that people living near airports experience less noise from aircraft taking off and landing. For passengers, the A350 offers a new level of comfort, with one of the quietest cabins in its class and an improved onboard environment.

Certification of World Business Class Seats
The A350 has 331 seats: 271 in Economy Class, 26 in Premium Comfort Class, and 34 in World Business Class (WBC). EASA has now approved the test results for the WBC seats, allowing the certification process to begin.

Fleet Renewal
KLM is investing €7 billion in fleet renewal. In addition to the Airbus A350 for intercontinental routes and the A350F for cargo operations, the fleet renewal program includes the Airbus A321neo, the Embraer E2 fleet operated by KLM Cityhopper, and Boeing 787 aircraft.

Photos: Airbus, Arnoud Raeven and Desril Santoso Teguh

As part of TAC, KLM will operate a showcase flight from Amsterdam to Delhi on September 28. KLM Cityhopper will operate a showcase flight from Amsterdam to Dublin on September 30 using an Embraer E195-E2. During both flights, a range of initiatives will be tested that may contribute to a more efficient operation, reduced fuel consumption, and greater awareness and understanding of SAF.

KLM: Increasing awareness of SAF
Throughout October, KLM will focus on increasing awareness and understanding of SAF and its importance in reducing aviation emissions. Passengers will receive information about SAF through several channels and learn how they can support its use. KLM will show an onboard SAF information video and feature SAF-related content in its in-flight magazine, Holland Herald. The airline will also explore how crew members and KLM Sustainability Ambassadors can actively engage passengers in conversations about SAF.

KLM Cityhopper: Building on proven solutions
During its Dublin showcase flight, KLM Cityhopper will test several operational initiatives, including the use of the TaxiBot, which allows aircraft to be towed from the gate to the runway without using their main engines. In partnership with SITA, the airline will also evaluate OptiDescent, a tool designed to support more efficient descent profiles. Additional onboard waste-sorting solutions will be tested, including a new cup holder and potentially an updated waste trolley.

The focus is not solely on technology. During the flight, passengers will be invited to share their ideas for the future of KLM Cityhopper through the Message in a Bottle initiative, as the airline celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Through these various initiatives, KLM and KLM Cityhopper aim to demonstrate that advancing sustainability requires progress on multiple fronts, from operational innovation to increased awareness and collaboration with passengers and partners.

Following the challenge flights, participating airlines will share their results and insights so that successful initiatives can be further assessed and, where possible, considered for broader implementation in day-to-day operations.

Also focusing on social impact
In addition to making its operations more sustainable, KLM is also focusing on its social impact as part of The Aviation Challenge. To this end, KLM works closely with Wings of Support, KLM’s preferred NGO. Wings of Support is an independent foundation run by KLM employees on a voluntary basis. It provides financial support to local organisations at KLM destinations around the world, made possible by donations and sponsorships. The foundation helps children improve their quality of life through projects focused on education, care and medical support.

This year, The Aviation Challenge highlights Kirby Place, a small school in a slum area of Delhi. Young children receive basic education here, while older children are supported in their further development. Wings of Support has supported the school with, among other things, improving its water supply and providing educational materials, including computers.
 

Pictures: Arnoud Raeven

“Our passengers want to reach their destinations smoothly and feel recognised and at ease throughout their journey. That is why we are offering a wider choice of flights this winter, focusing on personal service and continuing to invest in comfort and the renewal of our fleet,” says Marjan Rintel, President and CEO of KLM.

More flights to popular destinations

This coming winter, KLM will fly to 164 destinations in 64 countries, 93 within Europe and 71 intercontinental destinations. KLM is further increasing capacity on several routes to meet passenger demand.

Minneapolis will return to the winter schedule for the first time since winter 2023, while San Diego will be served throughout the entire winter season for the first time. KLM will also operate more frequent services to Panama City, with up to ten flights a week during the peak period, while São Paulo will be served nine times a week this winter.

Capacity to Curaçao will also be increased. The popular holiday island will normally be served nine times a week. This will rise to ten weekly flights in January and February, twelve during the Christmas holidays and eleven during the spring holidays.

Within Europe, KLM is adding capacity to popular winter and city-break destinations. Both Rovaniemi and Kittilä will receive one additional weekly flight, while Florence and Basel will each be served by one additional daily flight.

Planned resumption of routes

In addition to expanding existing routes, KLM intends to resume flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam from the start of the winter schedule. The exact timetable will depend on the situation in the Middle East at that time. KLM also intends to continue operating flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv this winter, following their resumption on 25 August.

KLM is also working to resume its route to Kigali and Entebbe. The Entebbe service was previously temporarily removed from the network following travel and entry restrictions introduced by several countries in response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Subject to the lifting of the travel and entry restrictions in force at the time, the route will operate four times a week this winter.

More choice and comfort on board

Alongside expanding its network, KLM is also enhancing the travel experience this winter. From October, Economy Class passengers on European flights will have a wider choice of food and drink with the introduction of Grand Café KLM. Meals can be pre-ordered, while passengers will also be able to choose items from the menu on board. This will enable KLM to cater more effectively to passengers’ varying needs.

Premium Comfort capacity will also increase on several intercontinental routes. As the Airbus A330 is phased out, flights to Aruba, Bonaire, Riyadh, Dammam and Miami will be operated mainly by Boeing aircraft this winter.

Cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient flying with a renewed fleet

The arrival of KLM’s first Airbus A350 at Schiphol will soon mark an important step in the continued renewal of its fleet. The aircraft is cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient than many current-generation aircraft. At the same time, the phase-out of the Airbus A330-200 will continue this winter.

The A350’s first commercial passenger flight will be to Toronto. The destination will be served twelve times a week, including five flights operated by the new Airbus A350. As more A350s join the fleet later this winter, the aircraft will also be used on services to Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi.

KLM will also continue to adjust its operations to further reduce night-time noise disturbance. Wherever possible, more latest-generation aircraft will be used and the number of landings between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. will be reduced. As a result, passengers on some routes may encounter a different aircraft type or an adjusted departure time.

KLM Cityhopper plays a key role in Schiphol’s hub operations. Each year, it carries around 11 million passengers to destinations across the continent. Passengers from throughout Europe fly with KLM Cityhopper to Amsterdam to connect to KLM’s intercontinental flights. At the same time, travelers from around the world connect through Schiphol to more than 80 European destinations. In this way, KLM Cityhopper contributes to the Netherlands’ global connectivity and KLM’s extensive route network. Destinations added to the network in recent seasons include Biarritz, Exeter, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Cork, Jersey, Santiago de Compostela, and Oviedo.

“Sixty years ago, KLM Cityhopper began as a small regional airline. Today, we are an essential part of KLM’s network and play a key role in connecting Europe with the world. This growth is primarily due to the dedication and commitment of our employees. With that same entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, we will continue building the future of regional aviation,” said Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper.

History

KLM Cityhopper traces its roots to NLM, which was founded in 1966 to provide fast connections between different regions of the Netherlands. Over the following decades, its network steadily expanded to include destinations across Europe. The Cityhopper name was added in 1976, followed by a merger with NetherLines in 1991 and the integration of KLM UK, ultimately creating KLM Cityhopper.

A Testing Ground for Innovation

As a smaller, agile organization, KLM Cityhopper regularly tests innovations for the broader KLM organization. This enables it to play a pioneering role in operational optimization, sustainability, and new ways of working.

One example is the introduction of virtual reality training for KLM Cityhopper pilots—a valuable and sustainable training method that supplements conventional simulator and in-flight training. Another example is OptiClimb, an application that helps reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions during the climb phase of a flight. Based on flight data such as weight, weather conditions, aircraft type, and route, OptiClimb recommends a speed to the flight crew that allows the aircraft to reach cruising altitude as efficiently as possible.

KLM Cityhopper is also taking part in The Aviation Challenge for the fourth year. As part of the challenge, it is testing new solutions involving artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation fuels, weight reduction, reduced food waste, and the electrification of ground operations.

A Quiet, Fuel-Efficient, and Effective Fleet

KLM Cityhopper remains focused on advancing regional aviation. In the coming years, it will concentrate on further optimizing its network, adding new destinations, and maintaining a modern, efficient, and sustainable fleet.

After operating aircraft made by Dutch manufacturer Fokker for several decades, the airline opted for an Embraer fleet in 2008. Today, Embraer aircraft form the backbone of its operations. The latest-generation Embraer E195-E2 is one of today’s quietest, most fuel-efficient, and most effective passenger aircraft.

Photo credits main picture: Mark Wagtendonk

"We are delighted to welcome our passengers to Grand Café KLM," said Bas Gerressen, EVP Inflight Services. "With this new concept, we are taking the next step in enhancing the European travel experience. Passengers will benefit from greater choice, more flexibility, and an offering that better reflects a wide range of preferences and needs. Whether they choose to pre-order a meal or spontaneously select a snack or beverage onboard, Grand Café KLM allows passengers to tailor the service to their personal preferences. In doing so, this new concept further strengthens the warm and hospitable experience we strive to provide."

Earlier, KLM announced that it was exploring a new catering model for Economy Class. Since then, the airline has conducted multiple testing phases across various destinations, evaluating both the product assortment and the supporting operational processes.

KLM has been investing in improving the passenger experience across its European network for some time. The airline has already added 16 Airbus A321neo aircraft and 25 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft to its fleet, featuring modern seats with USB charging ports and larger overhead bins. A few months ago, KLM also introduced complimentary Wi-Fi on European flights.

For many years, KLM has invested in making aviation cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient. In addition to fleet renewal, SAF is one of the most effective ways to significantly reduce aviation’s CO₂ emissions. While SAF produces the same CO₂ emissions during flight as fossil kerosene, its total lifecycle emissions—from production to combustion—are significantly lower, reducing CO₂ by at least 65% and up to more than 90% compared to conventional kerosene.

SAF is currently three to four times more expensive than fossil kerosene. While this plant is an important milestone, further efforts are needed to accelerate production and make SAF more widely available and affordable. It is therefore encouraging that the new coalition agreement includes plans to expand alternative aviation fuels and support SAF production in the Netherlands. KLM calls on the government to work together to accelerate and scale up SAF, for example through a national SAF fund, as recommended in the Wennink report “The Route to Future Prosperity.”

The DSL-01 project demonstrates what is possible, while also underlining the need for more initiatives like this to achieve the Dutch target of 14% SAF blending by 2030.

The improvement in the first half year was partly driven by productivity enhancements, cost-saving measures, and sustained strong demand in both passenger and cargo transport. Revenue per seat increased, particularly on routes to Asia and North and Central America. The Back on Track program yielded €315 million in savings and performed above plan. While this is encouraging, it does not change the fact that KLM still faces a substantial challenge to structurally strengthen its financial foundation.

Changing World Requires Further Strengthening 
KLM recognizes that the challenges for the aviation sector have evolved. Geopolitical tensions lead to cancellations, re-routings, and volatile fuel prices. Simultaneously, costs are rising, for example, for materials, personnel, and airport charges.

Bas Brouns, CFO KLM: “We are moving in the right direction, but more is needed to make KLM more financially resilient. The results provide confidence, but not comfort. Therefore, we continue to invest in factors that strengthen our competitive position, while critically evaluating every euro spent. This is the only way to make the progress we are currently seeing sustainable.”

Cargo, Engineering & Maintenance, and Transavia 
Cargo showed clear improvement thanks to strong market demand, particularly from Asia. Engineering & Maintenance improved its results due to growth in external work and operational improvements. Transavia operated in a highly competitive market, where its focus on affordable holiday flights put pressure on margins.

Outlook 
For the second half of the year, KLM continues to anticipate uncertainties. Developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on fuel prices, airspace, and global trade flows remain difficult to predict. Therefore, KLM maintains its focus on operational reliability, further productivity enhancements, cost control, and a strong financial position.

The press release from Air France-KLM Group regarding the first half year of 2026 can be read here.

Frédérique Pelger, Vice President Benelux, Dutch Caribbean & Suriname at KLM, said: “Ringing the Euronext opening bell is a meaningful and visible way to kick off WorldPride 2026. As an airline that has connected people and cultures for more than a century, we are proud to support an event that stands for connection, acceptance, and the freedom to be yourself unconditionally. We look forward to connecting people from all 160 KLM destinations with Amsterdam during this event.”

During WorldPride, Amsterdam is expected to welcome approximately two million visitors from around the world. As official partners, KLM and Delta Air Lines are contributing by bringing thousands of visitors to Amsterdam through their global networks, helping support the international accessibility of WorldPride.

Mathieu Essenberg has already served as interim COO in recent months. He has been with KLM since 2002 and has held various management positions in, among others, Flight Operations, KLM Cityhopper, Hub Operations, and Engineering & Maintenance. Mathieu is also an active pilot, first at KLM Cityhopper and later at KLM. Since 2017, he has been a captain on the Boeing 737.

More information about Mathieu Essenberg’s nomination can be found in the earlier press release announcing his nomination: Mathieu Essenberg nominated as Chief Operating Officer of KLM

The pilots will be given the flexibility to apply their knowledge and experience as reservists while continuing their careers in commercial aviation. This collaboration helps retain valuable aviation expertise within the Netherlands and further strengthens the connection between civil and military aviation.

In addition to the six reservists, one KLM pilot will be seconded to Texas from September for a four-year period as an instructor, training future fighter pilots.

Exploring cooperation on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
KLM and the Ministry of Defence are also exploring opportunities to collaborate on alternative aviation fuels, specifically Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Particular focus is being placed on the development and application of e-SAF (synthetic sustainable aviation fuel), a key technology for further decarbonising aviation and strengthening the strategic energy independence of the Netherlands and Europe.

Both organisations see opportunities to combine their knowledge, expertise and networks to support the development and deployment of these fuels.

Innovation
Through the HYPERION project, the Ministry of Defence and KLM Engineering & Maintenance are working together on solutions to make aircraft maintenance more efficient and sustainable. This includes further digitalisation and the application of data-driven maintenance.

Secure and transparent information exchange improves component availability, shortens turnaround times and increases operational readiness. Through this project, KLM and Defence are developing a new model for collaboration in aircraft maintenance, further strengthening the Netherlands’ leading position in this field.

Last month, KLM and the Ministry of Defence also announced that seven KLM engineers will begin training with the Royal Netherlands Air Force in September.

KLM’s Contribution to the Values of WorldPride 
During WorldPride Amsterdam 2026, KLM and Delta Air Lines will take part in several elements of the program together. Both airlines will participate with a shared boat in the Canal Parade, march together in the Pride March, and host their booth on Museumplein at the WorldPride Village. 

In addition, KLM will support several initiatives that may be less visible to the general public but are closely aligned with the values of WorldPride. For example, KLM will host six international LGBTIQ+ representatives at the Pride House, a dedicated location in Amsterdam at Hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand, through a special invitation program. They come from countries where it is not a given that people can openly be themselves or celebrate Pride. KLM wants to offer them a safe and welcoming environment in Amsterdam so they can fully take part in everything WorldPride has to offer. 

Attention to Pride Beyond Amsterdam 
KLM is also recognizing Pride outside Amsterdam. This year, KLM will operate two special Pride flights. On June 28, an LGBTIQ+ crew and allies flew to Toronto, where Pride took place, and the flight was festively welcomed by choreographer and dancer Blake McGrath. On July 24, KLM Cityhopper will fly to Berlin in the lead-up to the celebration of Berlin Pride. 

KLM’s involvement with the LGBTIQ+ community extends beyond WorldPride alone. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Over the Rainbow, the internal network for LGBTIQ+ employees and allies. The network plays an active role in promoting awareness, connection, and an inclusive work environment within KLM.

Marjan Rintel, President & CEO KLM: “With Mathieu, we have found an excellent candidate from within our own organisation for the role of COO. He knows the airline inside out and has proven in various divisions and roles within KLM to be a driven and inspiring leader. In addition, Mathieu knows the operation from the inside as a B-737 captain. Over the past two months, we have already worked together intensively in this setting, and I am fully confident that, with Mathieu in the COO role, we will be successful in further strengthening our operations.”

Wiebe Draijer, Chairman of the KLM Supervisory Board: “Throughout his career at KLM, Mathieu has demonstrated that he has the leadership, expertise and ability to bring people together that are needed for this important role. The Supervisory Board is fully confident that, together with the Managing Board and all colleagues, he will make a valuable contribution to further strengthening KLM’s operational performance and future resilience.”

Mathieu Essenberg (1973) has been with KLM since 2002. He has held management positions at KLM Cityhopper and Flight Operations. At Engineering & Maintenance, he was responsible from 2018 as SVP Airframe/Operations for aircraft maintenance for the KLM fleet and global customers. In 2022, as EVP Hub Operations, he led the Ground Services (GS) division, and in 2025 he returned to E&M as Executive Vice President. Mathieu also works as a pilot, first at KLM Cityhopper and later at KLM. Since 2017, he is a captain on the B-737.

Mathieu Essenberg, Chief Operating Officer KLM: “I am deeply honoured by this appointment. Together with all our KLM colleagues, I want to work on the challenges ahead of us. Safety, operational reliability and an excellent experience for our passengers will always be central to this. I am convinced that we can be successful in this and, in doing so, contribute to KLM’s success.”

Following approval and a positive advisory opinion, KLM’s Managing Board will be composed as follows: Marjan Rintel (President & CEO), Bas Brouns (Chief Financial Officer), Mathieu Essenberg (Chief Operating Officer) and Miriam Kartman (Chief People Officer).

There was strong interest within KLM in participating in the Defence training program. Mathieu Essenberg, EVP KLM Engineering & Maintenance, said: “At KLM, we have highly experienced technicians who work every day to ensure the safety of our fleet. It is valuable that, through this training, they can apply their expertise in a different environment while also gaining new knowledge. In this way, we are not only strengthening our own organization, but also contributing to the resilience of the Netherlands.”

Commodore Ellen Meeuwsen-Scholten, Director of Personnel at the Dutch Royal Air Force, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “The cooperation between KLM and the Dutch Royal Air Force shows how government and industry can work together to contribute to the resilience of the Netherlands. By giving technical personnel the opportunity to gain experience within Defence, we are building scalable capacity that can be deployed when the situation calls for it. At the same time, they become familiar with Defence processes, working methods, and culture, enabling them to make a valuable contribution to the operational readiness of the Air Force at crucial moments.”

KLM and the Ministry of Defence are working together to exchange knowledge and make smarter use of personnel and resources so that both organizations are more resilient in emergency situations. They are also exploring ways to intensify cooperation in the areas of component and engine maintenance. As part of this effort, KLM and the Ministry of Defence are examining how existing civil infrastructure, such as the facilities at Schiphol-East and Schiphol-Rijk, including Regional Jet Center and EPCOR, can be used to optimal effect. They are also exploring whether a new facility dedicated specifically to military maintenance could be developed in the future.

In addition to this technical cooperation, the parties are also looking more broadly at opportunities to join forces in other areas.

On te picture: Franck Coesel, Liane Visser, Pieter Cornelisse, Ellen Meeuwsen, Mathieu Essenberg, Roberto Joannes, Radj Jaghbandan, Gijs van Rooijen

“At KLM, we believe that every journey can be meaningful. KLM’s cabin crew is ready to offer travelers a warm welcome and personal attention, so they feel at home when traveling with KLM. The APEX Award for Best Cabin Service in Europe, an award entirely based on passenger reviews, is a wonderful recognition for our cabin crew. It shows that our customers appreciate our service,” said Bas Gerressen, Executive Vice President KLM Inflight Services. 

The APEX Best™ Awards are based on more than one million passenger reviews. Passengers rate their flight experience across five categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverages, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.  

First Commercial Flight in September
The Airbus A350 is part of KLM’s ongoing fleet renewal. The aircraft is quieter and more fuel-efficient than the previous generation of aircraft it will replace. The aircraft is being built in Toulouse and has now been fully painted in KLM’s distinctive livery. Over the coming months, it will undergo final preparations before being delivered to KLM at the end of the summer. The aircraft is scheduled to operate its first passenger flight in September, with Toronto as its inaugural destination.

Certification of World Business Class Seats
The Airbus A350 features a total of 331 seats: 34 seats in World Business Class (WBC), 26 seats in Premium Comfort, and 271 seats in Economy Class. Due to a revised interpretation of regulatory requirements by the aviation authorities, certification of the World Business Class seats has not yet been completed. As a result, these seats will unfortunately not be available when the first two aircraft enter service. The seat manufacturer is working hard to complete the certification process as quickly as possible and make this cabin class available to customers at the earliest opportunity. Premium Comfort, which offers additional legroom, enhanced comfort, and a dedicated onboard dining experience, will be available from day one.

Fleet Renewal
Over the coming years, KLM will invest €7 billion in fleet renewal. In addition to the introduction of the Airbus A350 and the Airbus A350F, this investment includes new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft for KLM Cityhopper, the latest Airbus A321neo aircraft for European routes, of which KLM currently operates sixteen, and new Boeing 787 aircraft for intercontinental services.

“Especially in these times, we want to make booking a trip as accessible as possible. With the extra flexibility and attractive fares, we’re giving travelers more confidence to make their travel plans for this summer or beyond,” said Frédérique Pelger, KLM VP Benelux, Dutch Caribbean & Suriname.

“Temporary deals, lasting memories” is part of a broader KLM campaign, Travel Well, which aims to inspire travelers to get more out of their trip. If you go, make it unforgettable. Traveling with KLM isn’t just about where you're going, but above all how you experience it. Every day, KLM employees do everything they can to make the journey meaningful for passengers, so that customers feel welcome when traveling with KLM.

More information is available at klm.nl. 
In this campaign, KLM is also utilizing Sponsored Snaps, a new ad format on Snapchat. KLM is one of the first companies in the Netherlands to use this feature.

KLM already pioneered this in 2021 by operating the first commercial flight using synthetic kerosene to Madrid. Whereas 500 liters of e-SAF could be blended then, only 200 liters are being used now. This shows how great the challenge is: the availability of e-SAF still lags far behind ambitions. Today, only a fraction of the e-SAF mandate imposed by Europe for 2030 is actually in production. Making e-SAF widely available and affordable on a large scale remains, alongside SAF, a major challenge.

Alternative fuels as a priority
KLM supports the European mandate for the use of alternative fuels and will continue to invest in making aviation more sustainable. At the same time, current e-SAF production figures show that the European sub-target of a 1.2% e-SAF blend by 2030 is a major challenge. In addition to the fact that e-SAF is currently four times more expensive than SAF (around eight times more expensive than conventional kerosene), there is as yet no e-SAF production on a large scale. The process of obtaining construction and environmental permits in Europe also plays a role, as does uncertainty over possible changes to ReFuelEU legislation. It therefore remains crucial for governments across Europe to commit and invest in accelerating and scaling up alternative aviation fuels, both SAF and e-SAF.

Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM: “As CEO of KLM and chair of Project SkyPower, I believe e-SAF can make a real difference in making aviation more sustainable. KLM already pioneered a passenger flight on e-SAF in 2021, from Amsterdam to Madrid. Today’s flight to Hamburg once again shows that flying on synthetic kerosene is technically possible. But the reality is that the availability of e-SAF lags far behind ambition. To truly make a difference, we must work together with governments, industry, and partners on scaling up and affordability in order to accelerate the sustainability of aviation.”

Christian Kunsch, Chairman of the Executive Board of Hamburg Airport: “Sustainably produced aviation fuels will play an important role in decarbonizing aviation in the coming years. Our infrastructure is fully ready, and we actively support airlines in the use of locally produced blends, including through targeted incentives. Today’s e-SAF flight marks an important milestone on the path toward lower CO₂ emissions through the use of alternative fuels.”

Tim Boeltken, Co-founder and CEO of INERATEC: “We are ready to deliver. Today’s flight, with our Chief Commercial Officer Maximilian Backhaus on board during a regular passenger service, clearly shows that power-to-liquid fuels are safe, available, and already operationally viable today. This is just the beginning of many applications we will see this year across various sectors.”

Jonathan Perkins, CEO at MB Energy: “Aviation has long been at the forefront of technological innovation.
With this operation, together with KLM and Ineratec, we are showing how lower carbon aviation fuels can be
integrated into existing infrastructure and operations. At MB Energy, we are laying the foundation today – preparing routes
to market for new fuels, adapting our infrastructure, and ensuring stable supply lines. When our customers are ready, we can deliver what they need, when they need it.”

KLM’s Orange Summer kicked off in festive style today, June 4, with the start of the KLM Open and the special flight taking the Dutch national soccer team to New York.

Early this morning, former top soccer player Ronald de Boer opened the 2026 KLM Open—the oldest international golf tournament in the Netherlands. KLM is the proud title sponsor of this iconic event, which is taking place for the 106th time from June 4 through 7. Under the leadership of tournament director Ruud Gullit, this year’s KLM Open is turning orange: visitors are encouraged to wear orange to The International, and the Dutch players and volunteers are also embracing our national color. Friday evening, June 5 (from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM), will be all about orange vibes, music, and fun. Everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating the start of the Orange sports summer.

Dutch national team flies to New York with KLM

KLM is also operating a special flight today: we are taking the Dutch national team to New York, where “Our Orange” will play its final warm-up match against Uzbekistan on June 8 in the run-up to the World Cup. 

Orange dessert on board (U.S., Canada, and Mexico)

Passengers will also notice that the Orange Summer has begun at KLM. To literally bring the World Cup atmosphere on board, KLM will serve a special orange dessert on flights from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to Amsterdam from June 7 through July 25.

This agreement enables Schiphol to further develop this part of the airport and create additional space for passenger operations, aviation activities, and new facilities.

For KLM, the relocation presents an opportunity to create more modern work environments that better align with how we operate today and in the future.

See previous announcement at Plans for Schiphol redevelopment present opportunities for KLM

The first flight departed Amsterdam on May 21, 1946, making stops in Prestwick, Scotland, and Gander, Canada, before reaching New York. On board the Douglas C-54 Skymaster were 32 passengers. With this route, KLM became the first European airline to establish a regular connection to the United States, ushering in a new era for transatlantic aviation. Today, KLM and partner Delta Air Lines jointly operate four daily flights between Amsterdam and New York. Last year, KLM carried nearly half a million passengers and more than 17 million kilograms of cargo on this route. This makes the connection important not only for leisure travelers and business passengers, but also for the transport of time-sensitive and high-value goods, such as pharmaceutical products, high-tech equipment, fashion and luxury items, e-commerce shipments, and industrial components. In addition, the route plays an important role in the logistics chain for perishable goods and other specialized cargo flows between Europe and North America. Via New York, KLM also offers travelers access to an extensive network of destinations across North America.

A spirit of pioneering

The launch of the route was made possible in part by the determination of Albert Plesman, founder of KLM. His efforts enabled KLM to move ahead of its competitors and become the first European airline to launch scheduled service to New York. That pioneering spirit has always remained a hallmark of KLM. In the decades that followed, the airline introduced successive new aircraft types on the New York route, from the Boeing 747 to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Today, KLM continues to invest in fleet renewal with the aim of flying cleaner, quieter, and more efficiently.

Anniversary celebrations

KLM is marking this special anniversary today with partners, colleagues, and passengers at The New York Historical museum. To commemorate the occasion, an exclusive Delft Blue miniature house of The New York Historical is unveiled. Produced in a limited edition of 300 pieces, it will be distributed exclusively to guests attending the event. Also opening today at The New York Historical is a temporary exhibition on the history of the route and the longstanding ties between the Netherlands and New York.

Aviodrome, the Dutch aviation museum, is also opening its new exhibition “The PH-TAR and the Journey to the New World” on Thursday, May 21. With this exhibition, the museum commemorates eighty years of transatlantic scheduled service between the Netherlands and the United States. Through historical imagery, the exhibition tells the story of KLM’s first transatlantic flight and highlights how remarkable the direct connection between the Netherlands and New York was at the time. Visitors can also see a Douglas DC-4 painted in the PH-TAR livery, the same type of aircraft used for this historic flight, with its interior carefully restored to its former glory. The exhibition  will be open to visitors from today through the end of 2027.