KLM to Resume Operations from Leeds Bradford Airport in July

Linking Yorkshire to the capital city of the Netherlands, the route will be operated using an Embraer 190 aircraft, carrying 100 passengers. Throughout the summer period, passengers will have the opportunity to connect to an increasing number of European and intercontinental destinations via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Benedicte Duval, General Manager for UK & Ireland said, “As borders reopen and travel restrictions begin to ease, safety is a prerequisite for KLM as we gradually resume travel. After this challenging period, we are delighted to be able to welcome our Yorkshire based customers back onboard.

“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."

Joanna Wild, Chief Commercial Officer for Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be supporting KLM in recommencing its flights to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport next month. This is an important and popular route for LBA, as passengers are able to access 165 KLM destinations worldwide via Amsterdam.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming travellers and holidaymakers at our airport in the coming months, and we’re working closely with KLM, as well as other industry partners, to ensure the wellbeing of all staff and passengers.”

Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, KLM has introduced many measures around screening and hygiene to protect customers and staff, both on board and at airports. KLM's policy is based on national (RIVM) and international (WHO, IATA) guidelines, and complies with international law and regulations.

Since 11th May, face masks are compulsory on board and during boarding. Passengers are responsible for providing their own face masks.

This is in addition to a range of health & safety measures implemented by KLM and Leeds Bradford Airport in response to the COVID-19 health crisis, which include:

• The compulsory wearing of masks for all airline crew members and airport handling agents in contact with customers
• The modification of customer channels on the ground with the implementation of physical distancing along the customer journey at the airport and the installation of transparent protection screens at airports when possible
• The implementation of physical distancing in the airport and on board where this is possible. Current low load factors make it possible to separate customers in most circumstances. In cases where this is not possible, compulsory face masks ensure adequate health protection.
• The reinforcement of daily aircraft cleaning procedures, with the disinfection of all surfaces in contact with customers such as armrests, tables and screens
• Adapting in-flight service to limit interaction between customers and crew members. On domestic flights and short flights in Europe, meal and beverage services have been suspended. On long-haul flights, cabin service is limited and preference is given to individually wrapped products.
• Passengers screenings are conducted on flights to certain destinations in line with government guidance. For flights departing from Amsterdam to Canada, Singapore and South Korea, passengers are physically observed. Passengers flying to the last two destinations receive an additional temperature check.

For a full overview of KLM’s safety measures, please view video below

In addition, the air in the cabin is renewed every 3 minutes. The air recycling system on board KLM aircraft is equipped with "High Efficiency Particulate Air" or HEPA filters, identical to those used in hospital operating theatres. These filters extract more than 99.99% of the smallest viruses, including those no larger than 0.01 micrometres, thus ensuring that cabin air complies with quality standards. Coronavirus type viruses, ranging in size from 0.08 to 0.16 micrometres, are filtered through the HEPA filters. For more information, please view video :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=DQeleaQJfoU

In response to the current crisis and subsequent travel restrictions, since 22nd April, KLM offers its customers the opportunity to book with confidence. Date and destination changes up until 30th June 2021 are permitted free of charge. 

KLM and Leeds Bradford Airport remind passengers that the health and safety of their customers and staff is an absolute priority. Both teams are fully mobilized to ensure the highest levels of health and safety for their customers and to ensure they travel in complete confidence.