KLM forced to cancel over 100 flights at Amsterdam as ground workers go on strike

Dutch carrier KLM was forced to cancel dozens of flights on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, after ground staff at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) walked out in support of industrial action. The airline advised passengers that cancellations and further knock-on disruption could extend beyond the strike window, affecting operations throughout the day.

A KLM statement issued in advance of the strike day read, “Due to a strike by KLM ground staff scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th, from 08:00 to 12:00 CET, we have unfortunately had to cancel around 100 flights. Thousands of passengers are affected by this disruption. We are doing everything we can to rebook them on the next available flights.”

The cancellations stemmed from an ongoing labor dispute involving KLM and its ground handling employees who are arguing for fairer working conditions and appropriate collective bargaining agreements. The industrial action was planned in advance, allowing KLM time to contact as many passengers ahead of the strike as possible. However, despite this, passengers were facing unprecedented disruption throughout the morning of September 17, 2025, as they arrived at the airport to find their flights cancelled or heavily delayed.

Nigel Wiggins / ShutterstockOver 100 flights affected

In total, KLM was forced to cancel 104 flights, amounting to 15% of its scheduled departures, on September 17, 2025. Another 13 flights were due to face significant delays. These ongoing labor issues highlight the tensions between KLM and its ground crew unions, escalating into a larger-scale disruption that is set to continue. Further travel uncertainty for passengers is likely over the coming days, unless an agreement can be reached with the unions.

The strike action is the latest chapter in a long-running dispute between KLM and several labor unions representing ground crew workers at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. While KLM reached a deal earlier in September 2025 with some of the unions, two others remained dissatisfied with the agreement and decided to move forward with their strike plans for September 2025. This has resulted in the mass cancellation of flights. The failure by KLM to bring all parties to the table has led to ongoing walkouts, forcing the airline to adjust its schedules.

Corlaffar / Shutterstock“The announced strike is taking place despite the recent negotiation outcome KLM reached with the three other unions: NVLT, VKP, and De Unie. FNV and CNV have declined the invitation to join this agreement,” added the airline.

Ongoing strike action

The latest strike day follows two days earlier in September when KLM ground workers abandoned their posts and went out on strike. The industrial action began on September 10, 2025, and has already caused the collective cancellation of over 100 flights in the days since.

While the disruptions are primarily focused on Amsterdam Schiphol, other major airports across Europe, including London City, Hamburg, Madrid, and Warsaw, have also been affected, where KLM has a large presence. So far, over  27,000 passengers have been affected by the cancellations earlier in September, according to Reuters, with many more likely to face issues in the coming days as the strike continues.

brunocoelho / ShutterstockMore strikes to come?

Advising of possible ongoing disruption in the days ahead, a further statement issued by KLM on the morning of the latest strike read, “Are you travelling on or around Wednesday, 17 September 2025? Due to a planned Union strike of KLM ground staff, your KLM flight may be impacted on this date and on the days before and after.” 

“Please regularly check updates on your flight status in the KLM app and the KLM website. If your flight is cancelled or you miss a connecting flight due to this strike, we will automatically rebook you on the first available alternative flight. As this action may affect quite some passengers, rebooking may take longer than usual. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

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