KLM has announced that its winter schedule for its European network will be more restricted than planned due to the adjusted travel warnings and quarantine rules for the UK, Spain, parts of France and other countries. KLM notes that the quarantine rules in the UK have had a “particularly marked impact on KLM’s network”.
KLM’s timetable for the European network in November is currently around 55% of capacity in 2019.
KLM had been gradually expanding its European and intercontinental network, aiming to offer the widest range of destinations possible. It was also then planning to increase the number of frequencies or expanding capacity by deploying larger aircraft.
In August, KLM served almost 100% of its European network in terms of destinations, with capacity at approximately 60% compared to pre-corona levels. Intercontinentally, KLM served 80% of its destinations at 60% capacity. At present, a third of these intercontinental flights are carrying cargo only.
From the beginning of September, KLM will resume a twice-weekly service to the Chinese city of Hangzhou, flying via Seoul Incheon in South Korea. KLM will also operate a twice-weekly service to Cairo. Riyadh will also be added to the KLM network as a new destination in December.
KLM also welcomed the extension by the European Commission of the slot waiver to the entire winter timetable, stating that this will enable the airline to “respond more adequately to the rapidly changing market conditions as a result of COVID-19, even during the winter season”.