Repair delays forcing KLM to cancel flights over the next five months, says airline

A KLM branded Boeing 777-200ER landing in Toronto in October 2021 - Credit: - License: Public Domain Business Thursday, 8 October 2026 - 18:40

Airline KLM will "proactively" cancel some flights in the coming period because more aircraft than expected are out of service for maintenance or repairs. A spokesperson confirmed this following a report by De Telegraaf. KLM is also operating some flights with different aircraft than originally planned.

KLM has informed staff that it will cancel flights from October 26 until early March to ensure it has more intercontinental aircraft available as reserves. Last weekend, the airline had to cancel at least five intercontinental routes at short notice due to various technical issues. The disruptions are causing frustration among passengers as well as problems with crew scheduling.

A KLM spokesperson said the cancellations are the result of a combination of circumstances. Strikes, extreme weather and other natural phenomena regularly disrupt the airline's schedule, while KLM also keeps aircraft in reserve to replace planes that are undergoing maintenance.

KLM did not say how many flights will be canceled in the coming period. "But every cancellation is one too many," the spokesperson said.

Canceling flights also comes at a cost for KLM, which has spent recent years working to improve its financial position by cutting expenses and growing revenue faster. "This obviously doesn't help. Every aircraft in the air makes us money, while every aircraft on the ground costs us money," the KLM spokesperson acknowledged.

"Adjusting the network is not our preferred option, but it means customers know what to expect earlier and creates more flexibility on the day itself," said KLM’S Operational Director Mathieu Essenberg, who recently started in his role. "These measures will contribute to a more stable operation, also with the autumn school holidays starting on Saturday."

Reporting by ANP