
Strike at KLM
You may be entitled to compensation for a strike
The KLM strike may have caused your flight to be delayed or cancelled. It’s possible that you have a right to compensation. To find out more, or to check if you qualify, please continue reading.
In the event of a strike by KLM staff, your flight may be affected, and you are entitled to specific rights, such as compensation. This article describes your entitlements and provides guidance on appropriate actions during a KLM strike.
-
19-11-2024
KLM Airbus A330 suffers bird strike departing Amsterdam damaging both engines
Details have emerged of an incident involving a KLM Airbus A330-200 that was damaged after colliding with a flock of birds as it departed from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS). The aircraft made a safe return to the airport where it landed around 27 minutes after take-off and remains on the ground, four days after the incident.
-
06-11-2024
Details have emerged of an incident involving a KLM Airbus A330-200 that was damaged after colliding with a flock of birds as it departed from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS). The aircraft made a safe return to the airport where it landed around 27 minutes after take-off and remains on the ground, four days after the incident.
Today, November 6, nearly all flights to and from Nantes airport have been canceled as the airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Service team goes on strike. All 36 firefighters and rescue workers at the airport have joined the protest, calling for an urgent recruitment drive, better pay, and improved seniority rights.
The strike at KLM has resulted in numerous flight cancellations
The strike by KLM employees has led to the cancellation of many flights, which is causing significant disruption for a lot of passengers. Unfortunately, for some travelers, the cancellation means their trip cannot proceed as scheduled.
Discover if you’re eligible for compensation when your flight is delayed or cancelled due to an airline strike by KLM, try our free flight check now!
Right to care with delays longer than 2 hours
If you’re facing an unplanned strike, it can take you by surprise. If you’re at the airport and your KLM flight is delayed for more than 2 hours, you have the right to food, drink, and even a hotel stay if needed. In some cases, the airline will provide vouchers for food and drink, but it’s important to keep receipts if they’re not provided.
Accepting an alternative flight from KLM is not obligatory
The airline has to provide you with a free alternative flight. They are supposed to offer you the first available flight, but if all the upcoming flights are overbooked, you may receive an alternative option that makes your travel pointless. If you reject the proposed flight, the airline must refund the ticket price, and if they don’t provide an alternative, they need to reimburse the price difference if you book a better option yourself.
Tip: Before doing anything, it’s best to wait for a final notice from KLM
There may be few alternative flights available from other airlines. Of course, you want to secure another flight as soon as possible. However, we advise you not to book an alternative flight yourself before you have received final confirmation from KLM that your flight has been cancelled. If the strike is called off, you will lose your money.
Did the KLM strike disrupt your travel plans? You could be owed compensation
When the airline’s own staff, such as pilots, cabin crew, or ground staff, engage in a strike, KLM can be held liable. Under Regulation 261/2004, this is not considered a force majeure event, and you are entitled to compensation if you arrive more than 3 hours late or 1 hour early.
The amount of compensation you receive is determined by the distance of your journey and whether your flight was canceled less than 2 weeks before your departure.

Compensation by Distance
- €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
- €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km
Compensation per passenger
-
€250
Short distance
<1500 km
London – Benidorm
-
€400
Medium distance
1500 – 3500 km
Dublin – Tenerife
-
€600
Long distance
> 3500 km
Edinburgh – Singapore
Verify if you qualify for reimbursement
If you want to check whether you are entitled to compensation due to the strike at KLM, you can easily do so in our database. Simply enter your flight number and we will indicate if you are eligible for compensation. Once confirmed, you can file a claim in just a few minutes.

Written by Jerrymie
Jerrymie Marcus got in touch with EUclaim due to a 4-hour delay. Through EUclaim, the marketing specialist received €600 in compensation.
More about JerrymieNeed help? Contact us
Haven't found your answer? Or do you need help submitting your claim? We are here to help!