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KLM confirms return to Wales

KLM will resume flights between Cardiff and Amsterdam Schiphol from August 3.

The Dutch carrier will deploy an 88-seat Embraer 175 on the route from Wales.

KLM flights from Cardiff have been suspended since March 27 when air travel came to a virtual standstill, with only 5% of the carrier’s global network scheduled for operation in April and May.

Flights will initially run with a daily schedule, rising to three a day depending on demand.

However, flight schedules are subject to change, according to the carrier.

KLM is gradually rebuilding its global network, opting to restart as many destinations as possible and then increasing frequencies and capacity.

The airline expects to operate 80% of the normal number of European destinations and 75% of intercontinental destinations in July.

This will rise to 95% and 80% respectively for August. But half of long-haul flights are cargo only.

“When international travel restrictions are relaxed, KLM will start carrying passengers to these destinations again,” the airline said.

UK and Ireland general manager Benedicte Duval said: “The resumption of the daily service between Cardiff and Amsterdam is testament to our long term commitment to the region.

“Having celebrated the 3oth anniversary of the route back in 2018, we are delighted to be able to continue offering worldwide connectivity to and from Cardiff and we look forward to welcoming our Welsh customers back on board, despite the recent challenges for our industry.

“As borders reopen and travel restrictions begin to ease, safety is a prerequisite for KLM as we gradually resume travel.

As we all adapt to this new environment, I can assure you that all KLM staff, both on the ground and on board, are committed to guaranteeing our passengers the highest levels of health & safety.”

Cardiff airport chief commercial officer Spencer Birns added: “We are really looking forward to welcoming KLM back after what has been a difficult period for the whole aviation industry.

“The Cardiff-Amsterdam route and KLM’s network of global connections is vital for our customers travelling to and from Wales for business, to visit friends and family, and of course to enjoy a well-earned holiday. I’d like to thank KLM for their on-going commitment to Wales.

“As our airlines begin to resume flights from Cardiff, the safety and security of our team and customers remains our number one priority. We have gone above and beyond government guidance and installed a number of safety measures across the terminal so that our customers can travel with confidence through Cardiff airport.”

 

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