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Grounded at Schiphol: KLM Cancels 100+ Flights Amid Strike

KLM’s ground crew brought Schiphol to a standstill with a two-hour strike, canceling over 100 flights and stranding 27,000 passengers. Here’s why it happened—and what comes next.

Grounded at Schiphol: KLM Cancels 100+ Flights Amid Strike
Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr

Ah, travel plans. One minute you’re picturing yourself sipping a latte in Paris or snapping selfies in Amsterdam, and the next… BAM! Grounded. That’s exactly what happened at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Why? Because KLM’s ground crew decided to hit the pause button on airline chaos with a two-hour strike from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

What’s the Damage?

  • Flights canceled: 100+
  • Stranded passengers: ~27,000
  • Coffee consumed in airport queues: probably a LOT
This isn’t the first time labor talks have shaken things up at KLM. Just recently, the airline reached a new deal with its pilots aimed at ensuring smoother operations and long-term stability. That agreement focused on extra work during peak periods in exchange for better benefits and improved conditions. You can read more about it in our detailed breakdown here

The Heart of the Disruption

No, this time it wasn't the pilots (though they’re doing their own thing). The strike involved baggage handlers, towing operators, and passenger service agents.

These employees took action because they were dissatisfied with KLM’s proposed pay and working conditions, which they felt did not reflect the importance of their roles.

KLM offered a 2.25% salary increase until 2026, but unions FNV and CNV considered this offer insufficient. They stated that ground staff should receive fair compensation comparable to other employee groups. Other unions, including VKP, De Unie, and NVLT, accepted KLM’s proposal, but FNV and CNV decided to continue the strike to press for better pay and improved conditions.

Mark Your Calendars (Again)

If you thought this was a one-time hiccup, think again. A four-hour strike is planned for September 17, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. CET. That means more cancellations, more delays, and thousands of passengers preparing for another long morning at Schiphol.

How to Handle a Strike Without Losing Your Cool

  1. Stay Informed: Track your journey on WhereFlight to stay ahead of cancellations or delays.
  2. Know Your Rights: Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers may be entitled to compensation if flights are canceled or heavily delayed.
  3. Plan Smart: Keep essentials like water, snacks, chargers, and entertainment handy—it makes the wait far easier.
Infographic showing KLM flight delay compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Compensation amounts per person: €250 for short haul flights up to 1,500 km (e.g., London–Amsterdam), €400 for mid haul flights up to 3,500 km (e.g., London–Malaga), and €600 for long haul flights over 3,500 km (e.g., London–New York)
Source: euclaim.com

In the end, the strike shows how important ground staff are to keeping KLM running. While disruptions are frustrating for passengers, agreements like the recent pilot deal prove that progress is possible. With more negotiations on the horizon, stay tuned for updates on how KLM balances its operations and its workforce.

For more updates on strikes, cancellations, and everything happening in the skies, make sure you subscribe to our news. That way, every twist in the aviation world lands straight in your inbox without delay.

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