KLM Returns to Dublin After 50-Year Absence

KLM has enjoyed a very good year in the Irish market and is delighted with the forward bookings on its new direct Dublin-Amsterdam flights, Nicolas Henin, Commercial Director, told Irish Travel Trade News at a celebratory function in Dublin’s iconic City Hall.

The event was to mark the fact that KLM Cityhopper is recommencing service from Dublin Airport. Initially starting with twice daily flights connecting Dublin to KLM’s award-wining hub, Amsterdam Schiphol, the airline will further strengthen this service from March 2017 by doubling capacity on the route.

KLM will operate flights with an Embraer 190, carrying up to 100 passengers. The schedule has been devised to complement KLM’s long-haul network, offering passengers easy connections to destinations such as Johannesburg, Havana, Beijing and Hong Kong.

Welcoming KLM’s new route Dublin Airport, Vincent Harrison, Managing Director, said: “It is 50 years since KLM last operated in Ireland and we are delighted to welcome the airline back to Dublin. We are particularly pleased that KLM has already committed to increasing its frequency on the route next year, which is testament to the popularity of this destination and the strong connections that KLM offers from Schiphol.”

Boet Kreiken, Managing Director, KLM Cityhopper, said: “We are proud to be flying to Ireland’s beautiful capital in KLM Cityhopper’s Embraer 190. The addition of Dublin to KLM’s route network is yet another endorsement of continuous investment to best serve the market. Ireland is experiencing a blossoming economy and strong growth in the tourism sector. Besides the Dublin-Amsterdam route, the direct KLM connection offers access to KLM’s European and intercontinental network – and all at attractive prices, and featuring an excellent flight schedule.”