KLM Expands to 161 Global Destinations
KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines is set to elevate its network with plans to serve 161 destinations globally during the summer of 2025. With 95 European cities and 66 intercontinental markets on the agenda, the Dutch carrier is poised to offer more connectivity than ever, despite facing challenges with spare parts and pilot recruitment.
For the northern summer IATA scheduling season, running from March 30, 2025, to October 25, 2025, KLM will offer a 4% overall capacity increase compared to the same period in 2024. However, the airline has reported that the expansion is being frustrated by a shortage of aircraft spare parts and delays in recruiting and training pilots. These issues underscore the tight supply chain and labor challenges that the aviation industry continues to grapple with as travel demand remains robust.
In a bold move to enhance its intercontinental network, KLM is launching new services to key destinations including San Diego in the United States, Georgetown in Guyana, and Hyderabad in India. Additionally, KLM will maintain its service to Portland on the US West Coast—a route that was initially introduced as a winter-only service during the 2024/25 season. These new routes not only broaden KLM’s global footprint but also offer passengers more direct travel options on long-haul journeys.
KLM is also investing in fleet expansion. During the summer season, the carrier will add three new Boeing 787-10 widebody aircraft, boosting its total number of 787-10s to 14. These jets, configured in a three-class layout with 38 business class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 252 economy seats, are expected to offer a more modern and comfortable travel experience. With an upgraded fleet, KLM aims to meet the growing demand for premium travel experiences while continuing to serve its loyal customer base.
Beyond intercontinental routes, KLM is set to increase frequencies on several of its existing routes. For instance, services on its combined flight to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania will be boosted from five times a week to daily from June 2025. This expansion equates to nearly 30% more seats on this popular route compared to last summer. KLM will also introduce direct flights between Amsterdam and Osaka, Japan, operating up to five times a week from April. Meanwhile, daily flights from Amsterdam to Las Vegas and Rio de Janeiro will further enrich KLM’s long-haul schedule. Additionally, Edmonton in Canada will receive five flights weekly, ramping up to six during peak periods. In total, KLM projects an approximate 10% increase in flights to North America for the summer of 2025 compared to 2024.
Closer to home, KLM will open bookings for services to three new European destinations: Ljubljana in Slovenia, Exeter in the UK, and Biarritz in France. Moreover, the airline will concentrate its Milan flights to the city’s centrally located Linate Airport, ceasing operations at Milan-Malpensa as that airport becomes a Lufthansa-ITA hub following their merger earlier in 2025.
On the short-haul front, KLM is set to receive five additional factory-fresh Airbus A321neo narrowbodies in the coming months, doubling the current number in its fleet. The carrier is also increasing frequencies on several European routes, with extra flights scheduled to Belfast-City, Porto, Barcelona, Split, Krakow, and Poznan. With almost 25% more seats offered to popular destinations in Portugal and Croatia, KLM is clearly focused on expanding its market share while enhancing the passenger experience.
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