Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM, commented: “Once again, we’ve carried more passengers, and our revenue has increased slightly. However, high costs and operational challenges continue to trouble us. Our ‘Back on Track’ programme is delivering results, but we still have a long way to go. We need to steer decisively and make clear choices to get KLM structurally back on track and ensure we can continue investing in our future.”
Third Quarter: Costs Weigh on Results
The KLM Group’s operating profit fell by 14% in the third quarter compared to the previous year. This decline is mainly attributable to rising costs, including higher airport charges and labour costs, as well as operational disruptions. The impact of strikes at KLM ground handling and cargo also weighed on the results.
First Nine Months: Savings Insufficient to Offset Costs
Over the first nine months of 2025, KLM Group’s operating profit amounted to €339 million, a decrease of €26 million compared to the same period in 2024. Revenue rose by 4% to €9.9 billion, primarily due to a 4.4% increase in capacity. KLM’s ‘Back on Track’ programme contributed more than €300 million in savings and additional revenue during this period and is therefore on target. Furthermore, an agreement in principle was reached with the Dutch Airline Pilots Association (VNV), which will make more capacity available. However, all these measures remain insufficient to offset the persistently high costs.
Bas Brouns, CFO KLM, added: “The improvement programme is working, with initiatives having been taken throughout the company. Among other things, we have successfully renegotiated contracts, been able to operate more flights and are using digital solutions more effectively. Without these improvements, our financial position would be significantly weaker. Nevertheless, we are still not earning enough to make the necessary investments in customers, people and operations to keep KLM competitive and future-proof. That is why we continue to actively seek additional improvements to strengthen our financial base.”
Business Units: Mixed Picture
Transavia saw its operating profit decline by €29 million in the first nine months, attributed to increasing competition and rising costs. Conversely, the Engineering & Maintenance division made a positive contribution of €41 million. Cargo managed a slight improvement in its results year-on-year, despite operational challenges and the introduction of a new handling system. This underscores the importance of a continued focus on profitable growth and operational stability across all parts of the KLM Group.n een voortdurende focus op winstgevende groei en operationele stabiliteit binnen alle onderdelen van de KLM Groep.
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