Several hundred flights have been cancelled by KLM in September, affecting thousands of passengers who may be entitled to compensation.
KLM strike at Amsterdam Airport – What does this mean for you?
KLM strike on 16 and 24 September 2025
KLM is cancelling more than 100 flights on Tuesday 16 September due to a four-hour strike from 08:00 to 12:00 and 119 flights on Wednesday 24 September due to a six-hour strike from 06:00 to 12:00 among ground staff. These strikes are two of three strikes in just three weeks.
Who is striking?
KLM's ground staff – including baggage handlers, check-in staff and ramp personnel – have stopped work.
Why is there a strike?
The trade unions FNV and CNV are behind the strike. They rejected an agreement between KLM and three other trade unions, which involved a 2.25% pay rise over two years, as it did not meet the employees' demands.
How does this affect travellers?
119 departures will be cancelled, and many passengers can expect delays and changes to their travel plans.
Are you entitled to compensation?
Yes, because this is an internal conflict within the airline's control, as a passenger you may be entitled to compensation under EU air passenger rights.
KLM strike 10 September 2025
KLM ground staff at Schiphol Airport have stopped work today, 10 September, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The result: Over 100 flights have been cancelled and approximately 27,000 passengers have been affected.
Who is on strike?
KLM ground staff (e.g. baggage handling, check-in and service employees) have launched a short-term strike in protest against the new collective agreement proposal. The strike is organised by the trade unions FNV and CNV, which believe that the new draft agreement does not ensure real wage growth and proper employment conditions.
Why is there a strike?
The trade unions refuse to sign the new agreement that KLM has entered into with three other small trade unions. They want a wage increase that matches inflation, better rights for physically demanding work and more permanent employment.
How does this affect travellers?
Flight cancellations and delays
More than 100 flights have been cancelled, and KLM expects major delays throughout the day. Most of the affected departures are domestic and European routes.
Consequences for travellers
Staff are now working to rebook passengers onto other flights. Travellers are advised to check their flight status via KLM's system (e.g. My Trip) before departure.
Are you entitled to compensation?
Yes, if your flight was affected by the KLM strike, you may be entitled to compensation. However, this requires that your flight was delayed by more than 2-3 hours (depending on when you were notified of the cancellation).
This is how much compensation you can get
Reason | Delayed arrival | Flights under 1.500 km | Flights 1.501 - 3.500 km | Flights over 3.500 km between EU-countries | Flights over 3.500 km to/from EU-countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cancelled* | 2 – 3 hours | 250 € | 200 € | 200 € | 300 € |
Cancelled /Delayed | 3 – 4 hours | 250 € | 400 € | 400 € | 300 € |
Cancelled/Delayed | More than 4 hours** | 250 € | 400 € | 400 € | 600 € |
Overbooked | 250 € | 400 € | 400 € | 600 € |
* If the cancellation occurs less than 7 days before the scheduled departure.
** If the cancellation occurs between 14-7 days before the scheduled departure.
Let us help you calculate your compensation and get it as soon as possible!
How we can help
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