KLM resumes flights to China after five months

KLM resumed its passenger flights from Schiphol Airport to Shanghai on Tuesday. This is possible thanks to the Chinese government’s easing of travel restrictions.

Flights to mainland China were suspended in early February due to COVID-19. KLM is now starting 1 flight per week to Shanghai, operated with a Boeing 777-300. A stop in Seoul, South Korea, will be made on both the outward and return journeys.

With the reopening of the Amsterdam-Shanghai route, KLM emphasizes the importance of the Chinese market in its network. The first flight was escorted out by the Economic Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Zhang Guosheng, and KLM chief executive Pieter Elbers.

‘The resumption of flights to Shanghai are a cautious but positive sign of recovery and illustrates our good relationship with China and our partners there,’ said Elbers. ‘KLM is carefully expanding its network so that our customers have as much choice of destinations as possible. That we can now offer Shanghai again is an important milestone in the laborious rebuilding of the KLM route network at a difficult time.’

KLM had been operating a cargo airlift to China since April 20 to carry cargo and medical supplies.