KLM latest in the scramble to China
LONDON – KLM plans to increase services to China from March 26, 2023, subject to regulatory approval of the expanded program. The airline is the latest to boost its China network services.
KLM joins other European airlines to expand its China network in response to the Chinese government’s easing of travel restrictions.
The Amsterdam-based airline intends to increase flights from its hub to the Chinese capital Beijing and China’s largest city Shanghai to six times a week.
Both will be increased to daily flights again from May 2023. Shanghai is currently served six times a week
The Dutch carrier will also increase its Hong Kong routes to three times a week.
- Amsterdam – Hong Kong Tue/Thu/Sat
- Hong Kong – Amsterdam Wed./Fri./Sun.
- Amsterdam – Beijing daily
- Beijing – Amsterdam daily
- Amsterdam – Shanghai daily
- Shanghai – Amsterdam daily
The Schiphol hub
KLM has been flying to Shanghai via Seoul Incheon since July 2020 and recently increased this operation to three flights a week.
The “double stop” operation to Shanghai via Seoul Incheon was mainly driven by COVID restrictions in China and also the longer flight times to bypass Russian airspace.
Amsterdam Schiphol is a major hub airport within Europe and serves as an important connection point to routes to Asia. The airport is KLM’s home base, with the vast majority of their network arriving or departing from the Dutch capital.
China was the fifth-highest passenger volume for Amsterdam Schiphol (about 350,000 passengers) in 2020, before falling to 17th in 2021 due to travel restrictions.
Shanghai was also Schiphol’s top destination for aircraft movements in 2020 and the second largest in 2021, despite the COVID restrictions, mainly due to cargo movements.
As reported by AviationSource Here, a study published by Mabrian on January 23, 2023 showed that Amsterdam would have 82% fewer flights to China in 2023 compared to 2019.
KLM’s announced expansion could help restore its previously strong China ties.
Expand together
In the statement issued, KLM advised an increase in route and return in a move that sees them join their sister airline Air France and other European airlines. SWISS also recently announced increased flights to China.
As part of SkyTeam, KLM has codeshare agreements with Xiamen Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and China Airlines (of Taiwan). It also has partnerships with China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines.
All of these airlines have recently announced network expansions and increases in existing routes between Europe and China.
