KLM may scrap some EX-YU routes in 2023 over green cap

KLM could potentially terminate over thirty destinations from its network if the Dutch government proceeds with its plans to impose a “green cap” limiting movements at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to minimise noise pollution and CO2 emissions. As EX-YU Aviation News learns, services to Belgrade and Zagreb are among those shortlisted for termination along with the likes of Istanbul, Porto and Tel Aviv. Medium and long haul destinations would also be cut. In total, 25 of the proposed routes would be in Europe. In a sign of things to come, KLM has halved its planned flights to both Belgrade and Zagreb this coming winter season from double daily to daily, although this reduction is in relation to the ongoing caps Schiphol Airport has introduced due to a chronic shortage of staff. The airline still plans to upgrade its seasonal summer Split service to year-round operations this winter, with daily flights to be maintained to Croatia’s second largest city.

The Dutch government has detailed changes that would effectively limit Schiphol to a maximum of 440.000 flight movements per year from November 2023. This marks a significant reduction from the current 500.000-movement cap, as well as reversing earlier plans that would have allowed growth to 540.000 movements, which is 20% above the planned cap. KLM is pleading with the Dutch parliament to reverse the planned capacity limits. The airline spoke of “significant damage” to its network, in part because the company has to cope with transfer passengers who fly from, for example, Asia via Schiphol to another destination in Europe. “In recent years, we have added unique connections to make the Europe operation profitable and to make KLM financially healthy”, the airline said. According to KLM, this shrinkage is unnecessary because fleet renewal leads to better outcomes for noise and emission reduction. Replacing old aircraft with more fuel-efficient planes could cut noise by half by 2030. The newer aircraft would also reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 15%.

KLM’s operations to both Zagreb and Belgrade have been successful. Services to the Croatian capital were launched on a seasonal summer basis in 2014 but were quickly extended to year-round flights. Operations were increased to double daily last year as the Dutch carrier became Zagreb’s busiest foreign airline during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. On the other hand, KLM introduced three weekly services to Belgrade in May of last year. The route has performed well with the airline boosting operations to double daily within just three months of its launch. KLM competes against both Croatia Airlines and Air Serbia on its respective operations to Zagreb and Belgrade.