KLM issues message to all passengers with holidays booked from May after flights cancelled

KLM has provided an important update for customers travelling during the months of May, June, July and August amid the war in the Middle East and rising fuel costs. The update comes after Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, warned that Europe has "maybe six weeks or so of jet fuel left." He said that the conflict between Iran and the United States is causing "the largest energy crisis we have ever faced in history."

Fuel prices have surged sharply in recent weeks, climbing from around $85–$90 per barrel to as much as $150–$200 per barrel. As a result, several airlines have made adjustments by cutting flights or adding extra charges. The Dutch arm of airline ​group Air ​France KLM said last Thursday, April 16, that it would cancel 160 flights in Europe in the coming month due to rising fuel costs.

In a statement shared with the Express, a spokesperson for the airline urged people travelling in May, June, July and August to "keep track of their planned flight via MyTrip".

When contacted by Express, asking if passengers travelling in May, June and July and August, would be affected by disruption, they said: "KLM has made a number of adjustments to its flight schedule for the coming month.

"This concerns a limited number of flights within Europe that, due to rising kerosene costs, are currently no longer financially viable to operate.

"There is no kerosene shortage. KLM will operate 80 fewer return flights to and from Schiphol, which is less than 1% of its European flights during that period.

"Passengers affected by these changes will be rebooked onto the next available flight. As these are destinations KLM serves multiple times a day — such as London and Düsseldorf — travellers can usually be accommodated quickly. We advise passengers to keep track of their planned flight via MyTrip."

KLM My Trip is the airline’s official online portal and mobile app feature allowing passengers to manage bookings, check flight details, select seats, upgrade, and request refunds. Passengers log in using their booking code and last name to modify itineraries or add services directly.

The spokesperson added: "KLM expects a busy May holiday period and is making sure passengers can travel to their holiday destinations as planned.

"For the upcoming months we are continuously analysing and monitoring the situation, as well as various scenarios that could potentially impact our operations, including as a result of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as well as the reopening of the Strait."

In response to the jet fuel crisis, a Government spokesperson previously said: “We continue to engage with British airlines to support their operations against the backdrop of war in the Middle East, and to limit the impact on passengers.

“Most airlines purchase their aviation fuel in advance to offset price fluctuations, however we are aware of the impact to businesses, and are working with international allies to see a reopening of the Strait as soon as possible.”