KLM has confirmed that passengers affected by its recent flight reductions within Europe will be rebooked onto the next available service. The Dutch carrier announced adjustments to its schedule for the coming month, citing soaring kerosene costs that have made a limited number of European routes financially unviable.
The airline stressed that there is no kerosene shortage, despite warnings from the International Energy Agency (IEA) that flight cancellations could occur 'soon' if oil supplies remain constrained by the conflict in the Middle East. IEA executive director Fatih Birol said that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, some flights might be cancelled due to a lack of jet fuel.
KLM will operate 80 fewer return flights to and from Schiphol Airport, representing less than one percent of its European flights during that period. Affected destinations include London and Düsseldorf, which are served multiple times daily, allowing most travellers to be accommodated quickly.
The airline expects a busy May holiday period and stated it is ensuring passengers can travel to their holiday destinations as planned.
Meanwhile, the UK Prime Minister convened a meeting of the Middle East Response Committee on Tuesday to address pressures stemming from the Iran conflict. A government spokesperson confirmed discussions included diplomatic activity, military planning to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and contingency planning with fuel suppliers and airlines to protect British families and businesses.
