KLM is adding Riyadh to its route map from 28th September. The new route will operate with a stop in Dammam (an existing KLM destination) on the return leg. KLM is also changing up its Muscat service, adding a stop in Abu Dhabi on its way from Amsterdam. The changes increase KLM’s total Middle East destinations to seven, while maintaining the same number of flights. So, what are KLM’s plans?
New Riyadh service
While most airlines are looking to reduce their current network, KLM is going ahead and adding destinations. However, it is doing so not by adding new flights, but rather adding stops on existing services. This allows the airline to carry more passengers without having to fly another flight, bringing in more, much-needed revenue.
KLM will fly from Amsterdam to Riyadh 4 times a week, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. On the return leg from Riyadh, the plane will stop at Dammam for a quick 1 hour 20 minutes to onboard passengers, before continuing to Amsterdam. The new route is AMS-RUH-DMM-AMS.
Previously, KLM’s flight from Damman also flew to Muscat on the return leg (AMS-DMM-MCT-DMM-AMS). This is also one of the airline’s short fifth freedom flights in the Middle East. However, the new route likely means that this fifth freedom route is gone. But fear not, for there might be another soon.
Changes to Muscat service
KLM is also adjusting its Muscat service, merging it with a flight to Abu Dhabi. The new route will operate three times a week, on Monday, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using a 787-9. The new routing is AMS-AUH-MCT-AUH-AMS.
At this time it is unclear if the new Abu Dhabi to Muscat service is a fifth freedom flight and can be booked individually. Simple Flying has reached out to KLM to clarify the same and will update the article once we have a response.
Resuming flights
KLM is slowly reopening its Middle East network, as demand begins to pick up and travel restrictions are eased globally. The airline has had a rough year, requiring billions in aid and seeing passenger numbers drastically fall. However, it seems the worst is now behind and the airline can look to cautiously rebuild its network, although it will likely be years until it reaches previous flight capacity once again.
KLM is also restarting its Amsterdam-Kuwait-Bahrain flights from 29th September, a popular fifth freedom route. By the end of September, KLM would have expanded its Middle East destinations to seven and will be operating on all its previous routes. While flights might be lesser, it is a positive sign to see planes returning to the sky.
What do you think about KLM’s new plans? Let us know in the comments below.
