KLM Cancels 100+ Amsterdam Flights Amidst Ground Workers’ Strike
KLM, the Dutch airline, had to cancel numerous flights on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, due to a walkout by ground staff at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) in solidarity with ongoing industrial action. The airline informed its passengers that cancellations and related disruptions could persist beyond the strike period, impacting daily operations significantly.
In a statement released before the strike, KLM explained, “Due to a strike by our ground staff scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, from 08:00 to 12:00 CET, we have unfortunately had to cancel approximately 100 flights, affecting thousands of passengers. We are working diligently to rebook them on the next available flights.”
The cancellations were the result of a prolonged labor dispute between KLM and its ground handling employees, who are advocating for fairer working conditions and better collective bargaining agreements. Though the industrial action was planned in advance, many travelers experienced major disruptions upon arriving at the airport on the morning of the strike.
Over 100 Flights Impacted
On September 17, KLM canceled a total of 104 flights, representing about 15% of its scheduled departures. Additionally, 13 flights faced considerable delays. These ongoing labor issues reveal the rising tensions between KLM and the unions representing the ground crew, creating a situation that is likely to exacerbate further disruption for travelers unless a resolution is achieved.
This strike marks a continuation of a long-standing disagreement between KLM and various unions representing ground staff at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. While KLM had reached an agreement earlier in September with some unions, two others remained dissatisfied, choosing to proceed with their strike plans. This has directly contributed to the mass cancellation of flights, as the airline struggles to engage all parties in constructive negotiations.
“The announced strike persists despite recent agreements reached by KLM with three other unions: NVLT, VKP, and De Unie. FNV and CNV have opted not to join this agreement,” the airline noted.
Continuing Strike Action
The recent strike day follows another disruption just days prior, on September 10, 2025, when KLM ground staff also staged a walkout. Over 100 flights were collectively canceled during this earlier strike period, and the industrial action is expected to continue affecting travel schedules.
While disruptions are primarily centered around Amsterdam Schiphol, other key airports in Europe, such as London City, Hamburg, Madrid, and Warsaw, have also been impacted, given KLM’s significant presence in those areas. So far, more than 27,000 passengers have been affected by flight cancellations in early September, and further issues are anticipated in the days ahead.
Future Strikes on the Horizon?
KLM warns passengers of potential ongoing disruptions, as outlined in a statement on the morning of the recent strike: “Are you traveling on or around Wednesday, September 17, 2025? Due to a planned union strike of KLM ground staff, your flight may be affected on this date and the surrounding days.”
They further advised, “Please check updates regarding your flight status in the KLM app and on our website. If your flight is canceled or you miss a connecting flight due to this strike, we will automatically rebook you on the first available alternative flight. Given the volume of affected passengers, this process may take longer than usual. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.”
Have you experienced any travel disruptions recently? How do you plan to navigate the ongoing situation with KLM?
