KLM to resume Gulf flights and expand winter
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines plans to restart services to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam from late October 2026, pending the Middle East situation.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines intends to resume flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam starting October 25, 2026. The airline, which suspended services to the three Gulf destinations on February 28, 2026, cited the military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran as the reason for the halt.
According to its published winter schedule, the resumption is planned for the start of the winter season. KLM stated, "The exact timetable will depend on the situation in the Middle East at that time." The carrier had continuously extended the suspension over recent months, even as other airlines returned to the region.
Flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv, which resumed on August 25, 2026, are also set to continue throughout the winter.
Expanded winter network
For the 2026-2027 winter season, KLM will serve 164 destinations across 64 countries. Its network includes 93 European and 71 intercontinental points.
The airline is reintroducing Minneapolis to its schedule for the first time since winter 2023. San Diego will be served for an entire winter season for the first time. KLM is also boosting frequencies on several other long-haul routes.
| Destination | Weekly Frequency (Peak Winter) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City | Up to 10 flights | Increased service |
| São Paulo | 9 flights | |
| Toronto | 12 flights | Includes 5 A350-900 flights |
Capacity is being added to popular winter sun and ski destinations. Both Rovaniemi and Kittilä in Finland will receive one additional weekly flight. European cities Florence and Basel will gain an extra daily service.
Marjan Rintel, President and CEO of KLM, linked the expansion to passenger demand. "Our passengers want to reach their destinations smoothly and feel recognised and at ease throughout their journey," Rintel said. That is why we are offering a wider choice of flights this winter.
Fleet renewal with A350-900
KLM is preparing to introduce the Airbus A350-900 into commercial service. The aircraft's first passenger flight is planned for the Toronto route.
As more A350-900s are delivered later in the winter, the type will be deployed on additional long-haul services. Planned routes include Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Nairobi.
This introduction coincides with the continued phase-out of the older Airbus A330-200 from the KLM fleet throughout the winter season. The winter schedule runs until March 27, 2027.
