KLM will operate flights to 164 destinations from Amsterdam across its global network during the upcoming winter season, with the airline increasing capacity on several popular routes while also planning the return of a number of services to its schedule.
Running from October 25 through March 27, the winter schedule will include 93 destinations within Europe and 71 intercontinental destinations across 64 countries. KLM says the programme is designed to provide passengers with greater choice while continuing the renewal of its fleet and improving the onboard experience.
“Our passengers want to reach their destinations smoothly and feel recognised and at ease throughout their journey,” said Marjan Rintel, President and CEO of KLM.
“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.”
KLM Increases Capacity Across Its Network From Amsterdam…
Several destinations will receive additional capacity during the winter season as KLM responds to passenger demand.
In North America, Minneapolis will return to KLM’s winter schedule for the first time since winter 2023.
San Diego will also be served throughout the entire winter season for the first time.
Elsewhere, KLM will increase its services to Panama City to as many as ten flights per week during the peak period, while São Paulo will receive nine weekly services.
The airline is also increasing capacity to Curaçao, which will normally be served nine times per week.
This will rise to ten weekly flights during January and February, twelve during the Christmas holidays and eleven during the spring holidays.
Within Europe, KLM will add flights to several popular winter and city-break destinations.
Both Rovaniemi and Kittilä will receive an additional weekly service, while Florence and Basel will each see one additional daily flight.
Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam Set for Return
KLM also intends to resume flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam at the beginning of the winter schedule.
However, the airline said the exact timetable for these services will depend on the situation in the Middle East at the time.
KLM also intends to continue operating flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv during the winter season, following the resumption of the route on August 25.
The airline is additionally working towards the resumption of its services to Kigali and Entebbe.
The Entebbe route had previously been temporarily removed from KLM’s 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 relevant restrictions, KLM intends to operate the Entebbe service four times per week during the winter.
Grand Café KLM to Expand Onboard Choice
KLM’s winter changes will also extend to the passenger experience.
From October, Economy Class passengers travelling on European flights will have a wider choice of food and drink through the introduction of Grand Café KLM.
Passengers will have the option to pre-order meals or select items from the menu while onboard.
KLM says the new approach will allow it to respond more effectively to the varying needs of its passengers.
Premium Comfort capacity will also increase on several intercontinental routes.
As the Airbus A330 is progressively phased out, flights to Aruba, Bonaire, Riyadh, Dammam and Miami will mainly be operated using Boeing aircraft during the winter season.
KLM Welcomes Its First Airbus A350 to Amsterdam…
One of the most significant developments in KLM’s winter schedule will be the arrival of its first Airbus A350 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
The aircraft will form part of KLM’s continued fleet renewal programme and is described by the airline as cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient than many current-generation aircraft.
The A350 will make its commercial passenger debut on flights to Toronto.
KLM will operate the route twelve times per week, with five of those flights scheduled to be operated by the new Airbus A350.
As additional A350 aircraft join the fleet later in the winter, the type will also be introduced on services to Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi.
At the same time, KLM will continue the phase-out of its Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Further Efforts to Reduce Night-Time Noise in Amsterdam…
KLM will also continue making operational changes aimed at reducing night-time noise disturbance around its operations.
Where possible, the airline will deploy more of its latest-generation aircraft and reduce the number of landings taking place between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
KLM said these changes could mean passengers encounter a different aircraft type on some routes or experience an adjusted departure time.
The combination of network expansion, additional capacity, changes to the onboard experience and the introduction of the Airbus A350 will make the upcoming winter season a significant period for KLM as the airline continues to renew its fleet and adjust its global network.
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