Recent KLM Flight Delays and Cancellations: Real-Time Updates

Written By Amy Lancelotte

Last Updated: January 13, 2025

Are KLM Flight Disruptions Common?

Our KLM flight disruptions list is important because delays and cancellations happen every single day in worldwide aviation. As for KLM specifically, in 2022, an average of 73.8% of their flights were on time. The airline did better in 2023 when the average was 81.5%. 

The decrease in delayed KLM flights is generally good news for passengers, and the same is true for KLM flight cancellations. In 2022, they cancelled 3.55% of flights whereas, in 2023, it was only 1.2%. That translates to a difference of over 4,000 flights, so that’s hundreds of thousands of more passengers who didn’t have to consult our KLM flights cancelled list! 

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Frequently Delayed and Cancelled KLM Routes to Avoid

To determine which routes have the most delays and cancellations, we reviewed 3 months of data from FlightStats for KLM. There was no noticeable difference between interruptions of long-haul vs. short-haul flights, and one of the consistent airports to avoid is Rome Fiumicino due to high delays. The KLM flights cancelled list has frequent entries for Leeds Bradford, Manchester, and Houston as well. 

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a busy one and is a common gateway to Europe for North American travellers. KLM operates an average of just under 800 flights per day, and the majority of them link up with Schiphol. According to Eurocontrol, this airport’s average on-time departure rate in 2023 was 63%, but many routes don’t arrive on time that often.

Here’s a KLM list of common routes for delayed and cancelled flights to avoid if you can:

*Data from Flight Stats from May 15, 2024, to July 15, 2024.

Why Did KLM Cancel Your Flight?

A KLM cancelled flight can happen at any time for a bunch of reasons, but some of the most common ones include:

• Extreme weather prohibits safe flight operations
• KLM strikes
• Airport staff strikes (like baggage handlers and security)
• Not enough KLM staff, whether due to illness or poor scheduling
• Mechanical failures
• Security threats

To determine why your flight is on the KLM cancelled list, consult the airline or the airport. Knowing the exact reason can help you down the line.

How To Avoid KLM Cancelled or Delayed Flights

When selecting your next KLM flight, try to book:

• Flights early in the morning
• Direct flights
• Flight numbers that are not frequently delayed or cancelled from our list

Early flights are generally disrupted less often. That’s because the same plane flies pretty much constantly throughout the day. Later flights are much more affected due to all the plane’s previous routes that could have incurred a delay or cancellation. Those interruptions will definitely affect your flight.

It’s too easy to miss a connection when you don’t take direct flights. Without connections, you’re more likely to get where you’re going on time.

Above all, be proactive and check our KLM delayed/cancelled list often. Then, you can make the necessary adjustments by seeking alternate flights for cancellations or change your plans due to delays.

If your flight was delayed, canceled or overbooked within the last 3 years, you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensation.Check Your Flight

KLM Flight Interruptions: Steps To Take

1. The most important thing to do is re-schedule. For a cancelled or severely delayed flight, try to get a new flight ASAP. Also, if you have a connection that you know you’re going to miss, change it in advance to guarantee your seat.
2. Keep checking the KLM problems list to ensure you know what’s going on with your flight. Previous flights causing the delay can make up time in the air or produce a quick turnaround, so delay times can change.
3. Know your rights. In Europe, KLM flights are bound by regulation EU 261, so before you take any offers from the airlines, use our compensation calculator to see how much you might get from a KLM complaint. Then, you can judge whether or not the offer is fair.

For all your KLM disruption claims, our airline compensation experts are the ideal partner. Save time and let us get you the money you deserve for the inconvenience.