KLM to cancel flights this "busy holiday weekend"

KLM announced that has cancelled up to 47 flights (roundtrips and one way) this "busy holiday weekend", Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1st of May. 

"We expect longer waiting times and possible disrupted flight operations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Therefore, we offer you a voluntary rebook policy," added the Dutch company in their website.

A spokesperson for the Air France-KLM group told Dutch news agency ANP that the flights were cancelled preventively to relieve the pressure on its workers. The unions demand pay rises and better working conditions, causing a high number of delays and cancellations at the airport.

Last weekend, ground staff laid down their work there out of dissatisfaction with the workload. As a result, dozens of flights were canceled because luggage was not brought on board aircraft. Employees also feared for their jobs because KLM said it wanted to work with an external handling agent.

In the meantime, KLM's management is holding talks with personnel representatives within the company about issues such as work pressure and rosters. Talks with trade unions are also planned.

(VIV)

© Belga Photo (Ramon van Flymen / ANP / AFP) Travellers wait at Schiphol airport, near Amsterdam, a day after a strike by KLM luggage handlers which caused many flights to be canceled, on April 24, 2022. ​