Source: cyprus-mail.com
KLM will operate 164 destinations across 64 countries this winter, increasing capacity on a number of European and long-haul routes as it prepares to introduce its first Airbus A350.
The winter programme, running from October 25 to March 27, will cover 93 destinations in Europe and 71 intercontinental destinations, according to the airline.
For Cyprus, KLM’s seasonal daily Larnaca-Amsterdam service, KL462, is scheduled to run until October 24, immediately before the winter timetable begins.
Cyprus will nevertheless remain connected to KLM’s Amsterdam network during the winter, with the airline’s booking platform offering Larnaca-Amsterdam journeys in December and onward connections across its wider international network.
Recent fares published by KLM included December return trips from Larnaca to Amsterdam from around €151 to €164, depending on availability.
The winter link also involves Transavia, part of the Air France-KLM group, which operates Larnaca-Amsterdam services marketed under KLM codes on a number of flights, with some services continuing during the winter period.
Larnaca has also taken on an operational role following KLM’s resumption of flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv on August 25.
The airline said the service is operating with a technical stop in Larnaca, where crews stay overnight, as part of arrangements linked to conditions in the Middle East.
KLM is also planning to restore services to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam from the start of the winter schedule, although the exact timing will depend on developments in the region.
Elsewhere, Minneapolis will return to the winter network for the first time since 2023, while San Diego will be served throughout the full winter season for the first time.
Capacity is also being increased on several long-haul routes, with Panama City receiving up to ten weekly flights during peak periods and São Paulo nine.
Services to Curaçao will operate nine times a week as standard, rising to ten in January and February, 12 over Christmas and 11 during the spring holiday period.
Within Europe, KLM is adding capacity to several winter and city-break destinations from Amsterdam.
Rovaniemi and Kittilä will each receive one additional weekly flight, while Florence and Basel will each gain an extra daily service.
The airline is also working to restore flights to Kigali and Entebbe, which were temporarily suspended following travel and entry restrictions introduced by several countries in response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. The route is expected to operate four times a week.
Meanwhile, KLM is making changes to its onboard service. From October, Economy Class passengers on European flights will have more food and drink options through the Grand Café KLM concept, including pre-ordered meals and products available during the flight.
The winter season will also mark another stage in KLM’s fleet renewal, with the arrival of its first Airbus A350 at Amsterdam Schiphol.
Its first commercial passenger service is planned for Toronto, which will receive 12 weekly flights, five operated with the new aircraft.
As more A350s join the fleet later in the winter, KLM plans to deploy them on services to Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi.
At the same time, the airline will continue phasing out its Airbus A330-200s, with services to Aruba, Bonaire, Riyadh, Dammam and Miami increasingly operated by Boeing aircraft.
Premium Comfort capacity will also increase on a number of intercontinental routes.
KLM president and chief executive Marjan Rintel said, “Our passengers want to reach their destinations smoothly and feel recognised and at ease throughout their journey.”
“That is why we are offering a wider choice of flights this winter, focusing on personal service and continuing to invest in comfort and the renewal of our fleet,” she added.
The airline will also adjust parts of its timetable to reduce night-time noise at Schiphol, including fewer arrivals between 11pm and 7am where possible.