KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced an expansion of its global network, introducing new routes and increasing frequencies on several existing services. Beginning February 2, 2014, KLM will start flying to Santiago, Chile (SCL), operating the route three times weekly with a technical stop in Buenos Aires (EZE). Flights on this route will be operated with Boeing 777-300 aircraft configured with 35 business class seats, 40 premium economy seats and 350 economy class seats, offering a wide range of cabin options for travelers.
In addition to the new Santiago service, KLM is converting two previously seasonal routes to year-round operations. Flights to Kent, England (MSE), and Ålesund, Norway (AES), will now operate throughout the year, providing more consistent connectivity for both business and leisure passengers. This change reflects growing demand on these routes and KLM’s commitment to enhancing regional accessibility.
KLM is also increasing capacity on several long-haul services. Weekly flights to Mexico City (MEX) will rise from seven to nine, helping to accommodate higher passenger volumes and strengthen ties between Europe and Mexico. The Bangkok (BKK) schedule will be expanded from seven weekly flights to ten, improving connectivity to Southeast Asia and offering travelers more flexibility. Meanwhile, KLM will begin daily flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH), delivering greater frequency and convenience on a key Middle East corridor.
These network adjustments are part of KLM’s broader strategy to optimize capacity and better serve markets showing sustained or growing demand. The mix of aircraft and cabin classes on affected services is designed to meet varied traveler preferences—from premium travelers seeking lie-flat seats to economy passengers seeking value and choice.
Passengers planning travel to the newly served and expanded destinations are encouraged to check KLM’s official channels for the latest schedules, booking options and fare information. Increased frequencies and the transition of seasonal routes to year-round service will offer broader seasonal and itinerary planning options for frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike.
About the aircraft: the Boeing 777-300 used on the Santiago route provides a high-capacity platform well-suited to long-haul operations, combining a comfortable cabin layout with efficient performance. The aircraft’s multi-class configuration supports a range of passenger needs, ensuring that business, premium economy and economy travelers all have suitable options.
Overall, these changes underline KLM’s ongoing efforts to refine its route network and respond to passenger demand by adding capacity where needed and extending seasonal services. Travelers to Santiago, Kent, Ålesund, Mexico City, Bangkok and Abu Dhabi should see improved availability and more scheduling choices as a result.
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