United Kingdom Joins Turkey, Ireland, Spain, India, South Africa, Croatia, Slovenia And More As KLM Strengthens Global Presence With Expanded Network, New Seasonal Destinations And Increased Frequency To Popular Routes With A Five Percent Capacity Increase In Summer 2026

Published on February 25, 2026

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United Kingdom joins Turkey, Ireland, Spain, India, South Africa, Croatia, Slovenia, and more as KLM strengthens its global presence with an expanded network, new seasonal destinations, and increased frequency to popular routes, driven by a five percent capacity increase in summer 2026. This strategic growth highlights KLM’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for both leisure and business travel, offering enhanced connectivity across Europe and long-haul destinations. By adding new cities and boosting flight frequencies to high-demand destinations, KLM is ensuring that travelers have more convenient and flexible options for their summer travel plans.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is set to expand its global network significantly for the summer 2026 season, offering a total of 164 destinations. This season will run from March 29 to October 25, providing travelers with a diverse range of European and intercontinental travel options. The airline’s enhanced schedule will include 96 destinations across Europe and 68 international routes. With a 5% overall increase in seat capacity compared to the previous year, KLM is preparing to cater to the rising demand for both business and leisure travel.

KLM’s summer growth is marked by a solid expansion of its European network, which will see a 6% increase in capacity. This expansion reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to providing greater access to high-demand leisure destinations. In addition to strengthening its existing European network, KLM will introduce three new destinations: Jersey, Santiago de Compostela, and Oviedo. These new routes will further enrich KLM’s short-haul offerings, giving travelers more options within Europe.

The airline’s increased focus on European leisure markets will result in additional flights to several sought-after destinations. Cagliari, a popular destination in Italy, will be served daily throughout the entire summer season. This move highlights the growing interest in destinations that offer a mix of sun, culture, and relaxation. KLM will also increase flight frequencies to several other key European cities, such as Istanbul, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, and Cork. These cities are known for their appeal to both tourists and business travelers, making them essential hubs in KLM’s expanding network.

In addition to the significant growth in Europe, KLM will expand its long-haul services to meet increasing demand. The airline will add more frequencies to Cape Town, South Africa, starting at the beginning of the summer season. Cape Town’s growing popularity among travelers makes it a priority for KLM as it looks to further solidify its position as a leading airline in the long-haul market. The new daily service to Portland, Oregon, is another highlight of the summer expansion. Portland has become an increasingly important destination for business travelers and leisure tourists alike, and the daily flights will provide greater convenience for those looking to visit the city.

San Diego, Miami, and Hyderabad will also benefit from expanded services in the summer of 2026. These routes will operate throughout the entire summer schedule for the first time. The decision to operate these routes year-round underscores the rising demand for direct connections to major global cities. Travelers seeking to visit the United States or India will have more options to book flights to these bustling cities, further enhancing KLM’s presence in the transatlantic and Asian markets.

In addition to these expanded services, KLM will introduce a new summer-only destination: San José, Costa Rica. San José’s mix of natural beauty, culture, and adventure makes it an attractive choice for travelers looking to explore Central America. By adding San José to its seasonal schedule, KLM aims to tap into the growing interest in eco-tourism and adventure travel, offering visitors a chance to explore one of Central America’s most dynamic destinations.

The growth of KLM’s network in the summer of 2026 is not just about adding new destinations; it also reflects the airline’s broader strategy of optimizing flight frequencies to meet both leisure and business demand. The airline’s capacity expansion and increased flight frequencies will help KLM meet the needs of travelers who prefer more flexible travel options. By offering daily services to key destinations, KLM ensures that travelers have the convenience and frequency they need to book their flights with confidence.

The summer 2026 season marks a pivotal moment for KLM as it continues to strengthen its network and expand its services to meet the needs of a growing customer base. By increasing capacity across both European and intercontinental routes, the airline demonstrates its commitment to providing quality service to a diverse range of passengers. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or to explore new destinations, KLM’s expanded schedule promises to make travel more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable.

United Kingdom joins Turkey, Ireland, Spain, India, South Africa, Croatia, Slovenia, and more as KLM strengthens its global presence with an expanded network, new seasonal destinations, and increased frequency to popular routes, driven by a five percent capacity increase for summer 2026. This growth is aimed at meeting the rising demand for both leisure and business travel.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is preparing for a dynamic summer 2026 season, with an extensive network expansion that includes new destinations, more flight frequencies, and an overall 5% increase in capacity. This growth will allow the airline to cater to the rising demand from leisure and business travelers. From the addition of new short-haul destinations like Jersey, Santiago de Compostela, and Oviedo to the expansion of long-haul routes to Cape Town, Portland, and San José, KLM is committed to offering a comprehensive travel experience. With enhanced connections to major cities and leisure hotspots across Europe and beyond, KLM is set to strengthen its position as a leader in global air travel.