Air France-KLM suffers €90m severe weather hit

Air France-KLM took a €90 million hit as “severe” winter weather at the start of the year hit operations at its hubs in Amsterdam and Paris.

The disclosure came as the European airline group reported a 5% year on year rise in 2025 passenger carryings to almost 103 million as operating profits hit €2 billion for the first time in its history.

The European airline group saw the operating result improve by €403 million against 2024 as capacity grew by 4.9%.

French-Dutch carrier was lifted by higher consumer spending on premium seats, helping 2025 pre-tax profits reach €1.8 billion, a fourfold increase on the previous 12 months.

However, the company revealed that its 2026 first quarter operating result will be impacted by around €90 million as “severe weather conditions” hampered operations at Amsterdam Schiphol in particular and Paris CDG.      

Hundreds of flights were grounded in a week of disruption with KLM suffering the most as Schiphol was badly affected by snow and ice.

The year saw Air France-KLM reveal plans to raise its 19.9% stake in SAS to a majority of 60.5% by the second half of this year, with the Danish government retaining a holding of just over a quarter.

A minority shareholding in Canada’s second largest carrier WestJet was acquired from joint venture partner Delta Air Lines in October as part of a transaction which also saw Korean Air acquire 10%.

The group is also reducing the shortest routes in its network with a particular focus on lowering capacity on domestic routes in France as part of efforts to cut emissions. Strategic partnerships have been struck with rail operators to enable passngers to combine alterative modes of transportation.

Capacity for this year is projected to grow by between 3% and 5% over last year’s level.

Group chief executive Benjamin Smith described the 2025 performance as being “robust” in a challenging environment.

He added: “Our airlines carried over 100 million passengers and generated an operating result of more than €2 billion – a first in our history.

“We enhanced our premiumisation strategy through enhanced customer experiences across our airlines – including new cabins, high-speed Wi-Fi and lounges around the world – all while making significant progress toward our sustainability ambitions thanks to fleet renewal and increased SAF usage.

“Despite ongoing external uncertainty we approach 2026 with confidence and a commitment to executing our strategic roadmap with vigour and discipline in order to reach our medium-term goals.”