Airline KLM had to cancel 200 flights last week as a result of flight bans to the UK, South Africa and South America. A spokesperson for De Telegraaf reports that most of the flights have gone to the UK.
Flights to South Africa and South America fly as per schedule as possible, but without passengers and only with cargo on the way back. The spokesman said the company was now considering what to do with next week’s flights.
In addition, KLM passengers face “several major problems” with the double test commitment set by the Cabinet. For example, all passengers must undergo rapid tests no more than four hours before departure for the Netherlands. This is in addition to the previously mandatory Rapid PCR Test. According to KLM, the problems arise because “there are by no means testing facilities at all airports in the world,” CEO Peter Elbers wrote in a letter to employees this week.
Flight ban
Since last weekend, a ban has been imposed on flights from the United Kingdom, South Africa and South America to the Netherlands in connection with more contagious variants of the Coronavirus. Cargo flights are exempt from the ban. According to KLM, the new flight procedures are having a major impact on KLM customers. According to Elppers, they are now choosing alternative methods. In terms of numbers, KLM is back to the May 2020 level, according to Elbers.
Elbers also says he spoke last week “very intensely and professionally” with cab unions about the upcoming additional layoffs of 1,000 employees. KLM has to lay off additional staff due to travel restrictions, so it expects the number of flights to decrease.
