KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, on November 13, 2024, announced the expansion of its intercontinental network with the introduction of three new long-haul destinations: San Diego in the United States, Georgetown in Guyana, and Hyderabad in India. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing KLM's global connectivity, tapping into emerging markets, and catering to the evolving travel preferences of its passengers. The service to San Diego International Airport (SAN) will commence on May 8, 2025, with flights operating three times a week.
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This route leverages the Joint Business Venture between Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic, targeting the vibrant San Diego market known for its mild climate, extensive coastline, and strong sectors in pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and defense. KLM will deploy its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for this route, offering 30 seats in business class, 21 in premium economy, and 224 in economy class. Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, will see KLM flights starting June 4, 2025. This service will operate twice weekly, utilizing an Airbus A330-200. The route includes a stopover in Sint Maarten, showcasing KLM's strategy to combine destinations to optimize flight schedules and reduce operational costs. Georgetown's selection is due to its growing market, particularly in business travel and ecotourism, with Guyana being a hotspot for its untouched nature, rainforest, and savannahs.
Finally, from September 2, 2025, KLM will fly directly to Hyderabad, India, three times a week using a Boeing 777-200ER. This route addition marks KLM's fourth direct connection to India, highlighting the airline's focus on expanding its presence in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. The city of Hyderabad, known for its IT and pharmaceutical industries, will benefit from this enhanced connectivity.
These new routes are part of KLM's broader strategy to rebuild and expand its network post-pandemic, focusing on destinations with strong potential for both business and leisure travel. The airline has expressed its commitment to offering more choices to passengers and optimizing its network to meet demand in markets showing steady growth or significant business flow. This expansion not only diversifies KLM's route map but also strengthens its position within the Air France-KLM Group's global network strategy.