KLM to cut 5,000 jobs as airline warns its survival is not guaranteed

THE HAGUE — Dutch airline KLM has announced plans to eliminate 5,000 jobs, nearly 15% of its workforce, as part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at reducing costs and improving its financial position.

CEO Marjan Rintel warned that KLM's continued existence cannot be taken for granted, citing rising fuel prices, global instability and increasing operational costs.

The airline expects to achieve the reductions primarily through voluntary departure schemes and by not replacing departing employees. Additional measures include outsourcing parts of its ground and baggage-handling operations, further digitalizing customer services and increasing crew productivity.

KLM aims to achieve a structural financial improvement of €1 billion annually to support future investments. The airline has also abandoned plans to purchase new Airbus aircraft.

Labor unions CNV and FNV expressed serious concerns about the consequences for employees and working conditions. Union De Unie welcomed the absence of compulsory layoffs.

KLM intends to negotiate with unions on measures to improve productivity by 2028.