KLM Announces Expansion of Intercontinental Network
Dutch flag carrier KLM has unveiled plans to significantly broaden its intercontinental network, introducing new long-haul routes to San Diego, Georgetown, and Hyderabad starting in the northern summer of 2025. This strategic expansion is part of KLM’s ongoing efforts to enhance its service offerings, improve profitability, and extend its global footprint.
Direct Flights to San Diego
Beginning May 8, 2025, KLM will operate direct flights three times a week from Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport (AMS) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). These flights, scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, will be serviced by the airline’s fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This aircraft features a three-class configuration with 30 seats in business class, 21 in premium economy, and 224 in economy class. Flight KL639 will depart Amsterdam at 09:50 and arrive in San Diego at noon local time, with the return flight, KL640, departing San Diego at 13:55 and arriving in Amsterdam at 09:15 the following day.
San Diego, the third largest metropolitan area in California, is noted for its mild climate, extensive coastline, and thriving business sectors, including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, and pharmaceutical industries. The city’s addition to KLM’s route network taps into a market with significant passenger and cargo demand that has shown steady growth over the last decade.
Connecting Amsterdam and Georgetown
From June 4, 2025, KLM will begin operating two weekly flights to Georgetown Cheddi Jagan Airport (GEO), extending the airline’s service to Georgetown as part of its flight to Saint Maarten in the Dutch Antilles. Utilizing the Airbus A330-200, these flights will accommodate 18 passengers in business class and 246 in economy class. The outbound flight, KL789, departs from Amsterdam at 10:00, lands in Saint Maarten at 13:00, and continues to Georgetown, arriving at 16:35 local time. The return journey begins at 17:55 from Georgetown and arrives in Amsterdam at 09:15 the next day.
Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, is celebrated for its pristine natural environments and has been experiencing rapid growth. The city offers untouched coastal lands, rainforests, and savannahs, alongside a burgeoning business sector.
Establishing a New Route to Hyderabad
Beginning September 2, 2025, KLM will launch a thrice-weekly service connecting Amsterdam with Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD). The route will be serviced by Boeing 777-200ERs, equipped with 35 business class seats, 24 premium economy seats, and 229 economy class seats. Flight KL873 departs Amsterdam at 11:40 and arrives in Hyderabad at 00:30 local time, with the return flight, KL874, leaving Hyderabad at 02:20 and arriving in Amsterdam at 08:40.
Hyderabad, the capital of the Indian state of Telangana, is renowned as the ‘pharmaceutical capital of India’, hosting over 800 pharmaceutical firms. The city is also a significant hub for IT companies from America and Europe and was awarded the ‘World Green City Award’ in 2022.
Through these new routes, KLM not only plans to cater to growing markets but also hopes to offer more comprehensive travel options to its customers, thereby reinforcing its presence on the global stage.