Amsterdam: Dutch airline KLM, part of the Air France-KLM group, announced the cancellation of approximately 100 flights scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, due to a strike by ground crew at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions at one of Europeās busiest aviation hubs.
The industrial action is set to take place between 08:00 and 12:00 local time. Most of the affected flights are short-haul services departing from or arriving at Schiphol, impacting roughly 27,000 passengers. KLM has advised travelers to check the status of their flights and said affected passengers will have the option to rebook or receive compensation in line with EU passenger rights.
The strike follows a breakdown in negotiations between KLM management and the ground crew unions over pay increases, working conditions, and staffing shortages. While KLM recently reached agreements with some unions, two unions not part of the deal have moved forward with industrial action. Employees have cited overwork and understaffing as key issues driving the strike.
Negotiations are ongoing, but the airline warned that further flight cancellations could occur if a resolution is not reached soon. The strike underscores broader tensions in the aviation industry, where labor disputes and staff shortages continue to affect operations across Europe.
Travelers are urged to monitor updates from KLM as the situation develops.