KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has launched a new nonstop route between Amsterdam and San Diego, marking an important expansion in its U.S. operations. The new flight, which began on May 8, becomes KLM’s longest U.S. route at 4,878 nautical miles (9,034 kilometers). It also makes KLM one of only a few European airlines—alongside British Airways and Lufthansa—servicing three major airports in California.
With this addition, KLM now flies to 15 destinations in the United States. The airline plans to operate up to 16 daily U.S. flights by 2025. Although its partner, Delta Air Lines, offers a broader American network, KLM’s direct route to San Diego helps meet the rising demand for travel between Europe and Southern California.
Three Weekly Flights on the Dreamliner
The new Amsterdam–San Diego service runs three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. KLM uses its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the route, an aircraft that seats 275 passengers. The inaugural flight was completed successfully using a 7.8-year-old Dreamliner (registration PH-BHM).
Starting with limited frequency allows KLM to assess market demand before adding more flights. While the current schedule is conservative, it lays the groundwork for potential growth. In comparison, British Airways flies from London Heathrow to San Diego 13 times a week during summer. Lufthansa offers daily flights from Munich, reducing to five per week in winter.
Strengthening Amsterdam’s Role as a Global Hub
A major benefit of the new route is KLM’s use of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as a major global hub. In 2024, about 36,000 passengers flew between San Diego and Europe, showing strong potential for this new connection. San Diego was previously the fourth-largest European market without nonstop service, according to KLM.
Through Schiphol, KLM passengers can connect to over 50 destinations worldwide. Layovers typically do not exceed four hours. Major cities like Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Athens are all reachable through the hub. This high level of connectivity is key to KLM’s strategy, giving travelers a smooth journey to Europe and beyond.
The route is expected to serve not only San Diego locals but also international travelers passing through. Many passengers flying between the U.S. and Europe use Amsterdam as a stopover. Last year, KLM carried over 2.2 million transatlantic passengers, many of whom connected through Schiphol. Flight times for the new route are planned to allow easy onward connections.
Looking Ahead
KLM’s entry into the San Diego market is a strong move to grow its presence in the U.S. As demand increases, the airline may consider adding more flights or expanding services in Southern California. The focus on Amsterdam as a connection hub remains central to KLM’s plans.
The new route adds to KLM’s reputation as a key player in transatlantic air travel and supports its long-term expansion strategy. For passengers, the Amsterdam–San Diego flight opens up more travel options and smoother international journeys.
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