Home » Greece » Greece Travel News » Another Europe Travel Nightmare as KLM Strike Causes Widespread Cancellations of 100+ Flights, Affecting Thousands of Travelers from US, France, Denmark, Canada, Greece, UK, Croatia, Italy and Other
Published on
September 9, 2025
Another Europe travel nightmare is unfolding as KLM ground staff strike causes widespread cancellations of over 100 flights, severely affecting thousands of travelers across major international routes. The two-hour skip on the job on the 10th of September at Amsterdam Schiphol held during the ongoing talk at the scheduled wage increase and concerning the conditions of work has led to serious disruptions especially to the passengers of United States, France, Denmark, Canada, Greece, United Kingdom, Croatia, and Italy along with many others. Amidst the cancellations of many flights and the rising chances of pending delays, this situation has left many passengers out in the open in the middle of enormous, uncontrolled travel mess.
Amsterdam Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest and most vital aviation hubs, is bracing for significant upheaval as a planned strike by KLM ground staff on Wednesday, September 10th, threatens to unleash a cascade of cancellations and delays across its extensive network. While KLM assures that flights will continue to operate, the two-hour walkout, scheduled from 08:00 to 10:00 CEST, is poised to create considerable disruption, particularly impacting passengers travelling during the morning peak. This industrial action is the latest chapter in a protracted dispute over a new collective labour agreement (CLA), with unions demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced job security amidst rising living costs.
The Genesis of Discontent: Why KLM Ground Staff Are Striking
The roots of this impending strike delve deep into a contentious negotiation process surrounding a new collective labour agreement (CLA). KLM recently inked a deal with three unions—NVLT, VKP, and De Unie—which included a 2.25% wage increase set to span until 2026. However, this agreement failed to appease two other prominent unions, CNV and FNV, who have vehemently rejected its terms. Their dissent is multifaceted, hinging on several critical concerns that they argue the proposed agreement utterly fails to address.
At the forefront of their demands is the urgent need for better protection of workers’ purchasing power. In an economic climate characterized by persistent inflation and a burgeoning cost of living, CNV and FNV contend that the offered 2.25% wage hike is woefully inadequate. They argue that this modest increase is effectively eroded by the rising expenses workers face daily, leaving them in a financially precarious position. The unions are pushing for a wage structure that genuinely reflects and compensates for the escalating cost of living, ensuring that their members’ real incomes do not diminish over time.
Beyond the immediate issue of wages, the striking unions are advocating for a “heavy-work scheme.” This initiative is designed to provide crucial support and recognition for staff engaged in physically demanding roles, such as baggage handlers and cargo loaders. These positions, essential to the smooth functioning of airport operations, often entail strenuous labour that can take a significant toll on workers’ health and well-being over time. A heavy-work scheme would likely encompass provisions for earlier retirement options, enhanced health benefits, or modified work schedules, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by these employees and aiming to mitigate the long-term impact of their physically arduous duties.
Furthermore, job security stands as another cornerstone of the unions’ demands. They are pressing for more permanent contracts, a move aimed at reducing the prevalence of temporary or flexible employment arrangements that can leave workers feeling vulnerable and lacking stability. The push for permanent contracts reflects a broader desire for greater stability, better career prospects, and a more secure future for KLM’s ground staff, allowing them to plan their lives with greater confidence and peace of mind.
CNV and FNV have expressed profound disappointment with KLM’s approach to negotiations. They assert that despite extending invitations to join the broader CLA discussions, their specific concerns and proposals were largely overlooked or dismissed. This perceived lack of meaningful engagement and recognition during the negotiation process has further fueled their resolve, pushing them towards this strike action as a means of compelling KLM to address their grievances more seriously. The unions believe that the airline’s failure to adequately consider their perspectives has left them with no alternative but to resort to industrial action to safeguard their members’ interests.
The Immediate Impact: What to Expect During the Strike
The two-hour walkout, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CEST on September 10th, will primarily involve KLM ground staff, including vital personnel such as baggage handlers and check-in staff. This targeted industrial action is anticipated to create immediate and noticeable disruptions, particularly affecting the smooth flow of operations during one of Schiphol’s busiest periods.
KLM has issued warnings that passengers should prepare for potential delays. The most significant bottlenecks are expected at check-in counters and baggage drop-off points, where the reduced staffing levels will inevitably lead to longer queues and extended processing times. Passengers flying during this window should factor in considerable extra time for these procedures.
Crucially, however, KLM has emphasized that while delays are likely, flights themselves will not be cancelled as a direct result of the strike. The airline has stated its commitment to ensuring that all scheduled flights depart, albeit potentially later than planned. To minimize risks and ensure safety, unions have agreed that staff will remain at Schiphol to resume work immediately in the event of any emergencies, a measure implemented after consultations with both KLM and Schiphol Airport authorities. This commitment underscores a shared understanding of the critical importance of maintaining safety standards even amidst industrial action.
Despite these assurances, the ripple effects of even a two-hour strike can extend far beyond its immediate timeframe. A backlog of passengers and luggage can take several hours to clear, meaning that disruptions could persist well into the afternoon. Moreover, the strike’s impact on early morning flights could trigger cascading delays throughout the day, affecting subsequent connections and itineraries across KLM’s network.
A History of Tensions: Precedent and Legal Maneuvers
This isn’t the first instance of CNV and FNV attempting to exert pressure on KLM through strike action. In June and July 2025, previous attempts at similar walkouts were blocked by court orders. These legal injunctions were granted based on concerns raised by KLM and Schiphol regarding potential safety risks and operational chaos that the strikes could have caused at the time. The courts had sided with the airline, prioritizing the continuity and safety of airport operations.
Given this history, there remains a possibility that KLM could once again pursue legal action to prevent the September 10th strike. However, as of now, no such legal moves have been confirmed by the airline. KLM, for its part, has publicly expressed disappointment over the impending strike, reiterating its stance that a fair negotiation result was already achieved and put on the table. The airline maintains that CNV and FNV had the opportunity to join the existing agreement signed by the other three unions, viewing their decision to strike as unnecessary and counterproductive to the ongoing stability of the company and its workforce. This difference in perspective highlights the deep chasm that still exists between the two sides.
Disrupted Countries and Routes: The Global Reach of the Strike
While the strike is localized to Amsterdam Schiphol, its impact will inevitably ripple across KLM’s extensive international network, affecting numerous routes and countries. Given that Schiphol serves as KLM’s primary hub, any disruption there has far-reaching consequences.
Based on the provided list of cancelled KLM flights for “Tue” and “Wed” (likely indicating the days around the strike, Tuesday being the day before and Wednesday the day of the strike), here are the countries and specific routes that are either already cancelled or highly likely to face severe delays due to the ground staff strike:
Intercontinental Routes (Primarily Affected on “Tue” and potentially cascading into “Wed”):
- United States:
- Houston Bush Int’ctl (KIAH) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- San Francisco Int’l (KSFO) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Los Angeles Intl (KLAX) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Chicago O’Hare Intl (KORD) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- These are long-haul flights, and any delay in their departure or arrival at AMS can significantly impact onward connections for passengers.
- United Arab Emirates:
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Al Maktoum Int’l (DWC / OMDW)
- A direct cancellation impacting travel to the Middle East.
- South Africa:
- Cape Town Int’l (CPT / FACT) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Another key long-haul route facing disruption.
- Canada:
- Calgary Int’l (CYYC) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Impacts connections from North America.
European Routes (Heavily Affected on “Wed” and potentially the day after):
The majority of the listed cancellations for “Wed” are short to medium-haul European flights, indicating a widespread disruption across the continent. These are inbound flights to Amsterdam Schiphol, meaning passengers departing from these origins will experience the strike’s direct impact.
- Greece:
- Athens Int’l, Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH / LGAV) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Ireland:
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Cork Int’l (ORK / EICK) (cancelled “Tue”)
- Cork Int’l (ORK / EICK) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) (cancelled “Wed”)
- Both inbound and outbound Cork routes are hit.
- Serbia:
- Belgrade Nikola Tesla Int’l (BEG / LYBE) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Romania:
- Bucharest Henri Coandă Int’l (OTP / LROP) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Denmark:
- Copenhagen (CPH / EKCH) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Billund (BLL / EKBI) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Spain:
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD / LEMD) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Barcelona Int’l (BCN / LEBL) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Bilbao (BIO / LEBB) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Finland:
- Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL / EFHK) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Portugal:
- General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS / LPPT) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Germany:
- Hamburg (HAM / EDDH) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Dusseldorf Int’l (DUS / EDDL)
- Munich Int’l (MUC / EDDM) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Frankfurt Int’l (FRA / EDDF) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Hungary:
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD / LHBP) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Italy:
- Leonardo da Vinci Int’l (Fiumicino Int’l) (FCO / LIRF) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Amerigo Vespucci (Florence) (FLR / LIRQ) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Linate (LIN / LIML) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Sweden:
- Stockholm-Arlanda (ARN / ESSA) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- France:
- Nice Cote d’Azur (NCE / LFMN) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS / LFBO) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Marseille Provence (MRS / LFML) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Norway:
- Oslo, Gardermoen (OSL / ENGM) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Alesund, Vigra (AES / ENAL) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Croatia:
- Split (SPU / LDSP) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Poland:
- Krakow Int’l (KRK / EPKK) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- United Kingdom:
- Manchester (MAN / EGCC) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Edinburgh (EDI / EGPH) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Birmingham Int’l (BHX / EGBB) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Aberdeen (ABZ / EGPD) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- A significant number of UK regional airports are affected.
- Switzerland:
- Zurich (Kloten) (ZRH / LSZH) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
This extensive list underscores the broad geographical impact of the strike, affecting not only passengers directly flying into or out of Amsterdam but also those with connecting flights through the hub. The total of 120 cancellations at Amsterdam Schiphol, with KLM accounting for a significant 106 of these, highlights the severity of the situation. While other airlines also experience cancellations, KLM bears the brunt of the impact due to the nature of the strike.
Advice to Travellers: Navigating the Disruption
For individuals scheduled to fly with KLM on or around September 10th, proactive measures are paramount to mitigating the impact of potential disruptions. The primary recommendation is to plan for delays, particularly if your flight is scheduled during the morning hours.
- Arrive Early: Passengers checking in or dropping off luggage are strongly advised to arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol significantly earlier than usual. The two-hour walkout is expected to create considerable backlogs at these service points, and extra time will be crucial for navigating potentially lengthy queues.
- Stay Informed: The most critical advice is to regularly check KLM’s official website or mobile application for real-time flight status updates. These platforms will provide the most current information regarding specific flight delays, gate changes, or any unforeseen cancellations. Additionally, monitoring the Schiphol Airport website (schiphol.nl) or its dedicated app can offer broader updates on airport-wide operational conditions.
- Contact Your Airline: For those with pressing concerns about their travel plans or who wish to explore alternative arrangements, contacting KLM’s customer service is advisable. While call volumes may be high during this period, agents may be able to provide specific guidance, assist with rebooking options, or offer compensation details if applicable.
- Consider Rebooking/Alternative Travel: Depending on the flexibility of your ticket and the urgency of your travel, exploring rebooking options directly with KLM or considering alternative modes of transport might be prudent, especially for shorter European routes where train travel could be a viable substitute.
The impending strike underscores the persistent and often fraught tensions between KLM and a segment of its ground staff. The CNV and FNV unions remain unwavering in their demands for what they deem fair wages and improved working conditions, arguing that their members’ financial well-being and job security are not adequately addressed by the current proposals. They view this strike as a necessary escalation to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are genuinely considered.
Conversely, KLM is navigating the delicate balance of maintaining operational stability, ensuring passenger satisfaction, and addressing employee concerns within its financial parameters. The airline has expressed its belief that a reasonable offer was already made and that the strike is an unnecessary escalation, particularly given the broader agreement reached with other unions.
KLM’s ground staff strike on September 10th has caused widespread cancellations of over 100 flights, affecting thousands of travelers across the US, France, Denmark, Canada, Greece, UK, Croatia, Italy, and more. The two-hour walkout at Amsterdam Schiphol is a response to ongoing disputes over wages and working conditions.
As negotiations continue, or indeed, as the aftermath of the strike unfolds, the focus will remain on how both parties move forward. The resolution of this dispute will undoubtedly have lasting implications for labour relations within KLM and could set precedents for future negotiations in the aviation sector. For passengers, vigilance and preparedness will be key to minimizing the impact of these disruptions. The skies over Amsterdam may be turbulent for a brief period, but the underlying industrial currents indicate a deeper, ongoing struggle for equitable conditions in a vital industry. The iconic blue planes of KLM will continue to fly, but the ground operations supporting them are clearly signaling a need for change, making this strike a pivotal moment for all involved.
