KLM Cityhopper Celebrates 60 Years of Regional Travel Growth With 80 Destinations and 350 Daily Flights

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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September 11, 2026 20:38 GMT+5:30

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KLM Cityhopper is marking six decades of operations, celebrating a journey that began in 1966 when it was founded as Nederlandse Luchtvaart Maatschappij (NLM). Starting with just two leased Fokker aircraft and a small network of domestic services, the regional airline has developed into a vital component of KLM’s European operations. Today, KLM Cityhopper operates a fleet of 58 aircraft, serves more than 80 destinations and manages over 350 daily flights, strengthening connections between Europe and the wider world through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Over the past 60 years, KLM Cityhopper has become an important part of Schiphol’s international hub system. The airline transports approximately 11 million passengers every year across Europe, providing essential short-haul links that support KLM’s global network. Travellers from European cities use KLM Cityhopper flights to reach Amsterdam and continue their journeys on KLM’s long-haul services, while international visitors arriving at Schiphol can connect onwards to numerous European destinations.

Through its extensive regional network, KLM Cityhopper continues to support the Netherlands’ role as a major global aviation hub while helping expand KLM’s worldwide connectivity. In recent years, the airline has continued to grow its European presence by introducing new destinations, including Biarritz, Exeter, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Cork, Jersey, Santiago de Compostela and Oviedo, further enhancing travel options for passengers across the continent.

“Sixty years ago, KLM Cityhopper began as a small regional airline. Today, we are an essential part of KLM’s network and play a key role in connecting Europe with the world. This growth is primarily due to the dedication and commitment of our employees. With that same entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, we will continue building the future of regional aviation,” said Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper.

History

KLM Cityhopper’s journey began with the establishment of NLM in 1966, an airline created to improve fast and convenient connections between regions within the Netherlands. Over time, the company expanded beyond domestic routes and gradually built a wider European network. The Cityhopper brand was introduced in 1976, reflecting its growing regional aviation role. Further development followed through the merger with NetherLines in 1991 and the later integration of KLM UK, which together shaped the regional airline that operates today as KLM Cityhopper.

A Platform for Innovation Across KLM

KLM Cityhopper’s position as a smaller and flexible airline allows it to serve as an important testing environment for new ideas and technologies across the wider KLM Group. Its ability to adapt quickly helps support improvements in operational efficiency, sustainability initiatives and modern working practices.

One major innovation introduced within KLM Cityhopper is the use of virtual reality technology for pilot training. This approach provides an additional sustainable training solution alongside traditional flight simulators and aircraft-based training, helping pilots develop skills in a more flexible and resource-efficient way.

The airline is also using digital tools such as OptiClimb to improve flight efficiency. The application analyses important flight factors, including aircraft weight, weather conditions, aircraft type and route information, before providing flight crews with recommended climb speeds. By supporting more efficient climb procedures, the technology helps lower fuel usage and reduce carbon emissions.

KLM Cityhopper continues to explore future aviation solutions through its participation in The Aviation Challenge. For the fourth consecutive year, the airline is testing ideas focused on artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation fuel, reducing aircraft weight, limiting food waste and introducing more electric solutions for ground operations.

A Modern Fleet Built for Efficient Regional Travel

KLM Cityhopper continues to focus on developing a regional aviation network supported by efficient operations and modern aircraft. Its future strategy centres on improving connectivity, exploring new destinations and maintaining a fleet designed to meet changing sustainability and passenger expectations.

For many years, the airline operated aircraft from Dutch manufacturer Fokker before beginning a major fleet transition in 2008. KLM Cityhopper selected Embraer aircraft as the foundation of its future operations, and these aircraft now represent the core of its regional fleet.

The latest-generation Embraer E195-E2 plays a key role in the airline’s modernisation strategy. The aircraft is recognised for its low noise levels, improved fuel efficiency and strong operational performance, making it one of the most advanced options in regional passenger aviation today. Through continued fleet renewal and innovation, KLM Cityhopper aims to strengthen its role as an efficient and more sustainable European regional carrier.