Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
KLM plans to cut about 5,000 jobs to reduce costs
KLM plans to cut about 5,000 jobs as part of a major effort to reduce costs.
The cuts amount to nearly 15% of the airline’s workforce.
The Dutch airline will also outsource some work to other companies.
It plans to stop pursuing certain Airbus aircraft.
KLM hopes to reach agreements with unions to limit wage increases.
The measures are aimed at lowering the airline’s costs; no further details about timing or implementation are given.
KLM plans to cut jobs as part of a cost-reduction drive, with NU.nl reporting that about 5,000 jobs will be lost.
The reports describe the cuts as about 15% of KLM’s workforce, though Il Sole 24 Ore says around 1,000 jobs will be removed in the coming years.
KLM also plans to reorganise some activities and simplify its European fleet by retiring older aircraft.
The measures are intended to reduce costs and restore profitability, amid higher fuel prices, rising Schiphol airport charges and a new Dutch flight tax.
KLM is seeking agreements with unions to limit wage increases, according to NU.nl.
- Who
- KLM, the Dutch airline.
- What
- It plans to cut jobs and reduce costs. NU.nl reports about 5,000 job losses; Il Sole 24 Ore says around 1,000 jobs will be removed in the coming years.
- When
- The plans were reported on 5 November 2026 and are to be implemented over the coming years.
- Where
- KLM and its European operations; Schiphol airport is cited as a source of cost pressure.
- Why
- To reduce costs and restore profitability amid higher fuel and airport costs and a new Dutch flight tax.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
KLM cut 250 non-operational jobs as part of a savings target of 450 million euros.
Reports said KLM had announced further job cuts and other measures to reduce costs.
KLM is expected to implement the reported job reductions.
- Reported job losses
- About 5,000, according to NU.nl
- Share of workforce
- Nearly 15%, according to NU.nl
- Il Sole 24 Ore estimate
- Around 1,000 fewer jobs in the coming years
- Earlier job cuts
- 250 non-operational positions in January 2025
- Earlier savings target
- 450 million euros
6 sources
KLM taglia del 15% i dipendenti e riduce la flotta
KLM schrapt de komende jaren 15% van banen
Hogere winst voor Air France-KLM, toch worden 5.000 banen geschrapt
KLM schrapt 5000 banen, 'voortbestaan is geen vanzelfsprekendheid'
KLM grijpt in en schrapt 5.000 banen: 'Voortbestaan is geen vanzelfsprekendheid'
What people are saying
Demand in key strategic markets, combined with solid commercial execution, drove an increase in unit revenue, while continued cost discipline, together with careful management of fuel spending, kept unit costs broadly stable