KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is proudly celebrating a remarkable milestone this season, marking 70 years of continuous flight operations between the vibrant Indian capital of Delhi and the historic Dutch city of Amsterdam. Since the historic launch of its very first service from Delhi in 1955, the carrier has served as a vital bridge connecting India with the Netherlands and extending onward to destinations across its extensive global network. For over seven decades, this enduring aviation corridor has successfully bridged generations of international travellers, reunited countless families, and facilitated vital business ties between the two regions, making it one of the longest-standing and most cherished air links connecting the Indian subcontinent with the European continent.
Today, this foundational route remains a cornerstone of the airline’s international strategy, as India continues to stand out as a primary focus market for the carrier. Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the region, the airline currently operates flights from four major Indian urban centres, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Through these key gateways, passengers are seamlessly connected to more than 160 destinations worldwide via the airline’s primary operational hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
As part of its ongoing dedication to the market, the airline is scaling up its presence for the winter season, preparing to operate up to 27 weekly flights from India. This robust schedule includes a notable increase in flight frequency on the flagship Delhi route, where operations will be expanded to offer up to 10 flights per week, providing travellers with greater flexibility, enhanced connectivity, and more convenient travel options.
Marking the occasion, Laure Daynie, Country Manager for Air France-KLM in India, reflected on the significance of the anniversary. Seventy years is a truly special milestone, and the airline is immensely proud to celebrate this remarkable journey alongside its valued customers, dedicated business partners, and hardworking colleagues across India. The country manager noted that the first direct service between India and Amsterdam operated on the Delhi-Amsterdam route, which continues to hold its position as one of the airline’s most important and enduring markets globally.
For seven decades, this vital air connection has successfully brought generations of travellers, families, and businesses closer together, effectively linking the rich culture and economic dynamism of India with the Netherlands and the broader international network. Furthermore, it is particularly meaningful to the organization that, during this anniversary year, Delhi was chosen as the proud destination for a special operational flight associated with the carrier’s broader environmental initiatives, and that these ongoing sustainability efforts have received formal recognition within India through a prestigious industry accolade. The leadership expressed immense pride in showcasing how innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to ecological responsibility can help shape the future of global aviation.
KLM "The Aviation Challenge" Arrives in Delhi
The seventieth anniversary year has also firmly placed Delhi at the very heart of the airline’s comprehensive sustainability agenda, underscoring a shared commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of long-haul commercial aviation. As part of these ongoing green initiatives, a milestone flight was operated from Amsterdam to Delhi, serving as a key component of The Aviation Challenge. This collaborative industry initiative, organized under the umbrella of the SkyTeam alliance, brings together participating airlines from around the world to test innovative sustainable solutions, evaluate operational efficiencies, and share valuable learnings across the wider aviation community.
The dedicated flight to Delhi was specifically designed to raise broad awareness regarding Sustainable Aviation Fuel, widely known as SAF, which serves as a lower-emission alternative to conventional fossil-based jet fuel. By utilizing and highlighting this alternative energy source, the initiative aims to help customers better understand its critical role in substantially reducing the environmental impact of modern air travel. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to encourage travellers, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders to actively support the gradual transition toward more sustainable and environmentally conscious aviation practices for the future.
KLM Wins at India SAF Awards 2026
The airline’s wide-ranging and proactive sustainability initiatives recently received formal industry recognition on Indian soil, highlighted by a notable victory at the India SAF Awards 2026. The prestigious event, which was organized by the SAF Association India, took place in the national capital of Delhi, bringing together key stakeholders, aviation experts, and industry leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions within the sector.
In recognition of its ongoing efforts, progressive operational strategies, and commitment to environmental stewardship, the carrier was officially awarded the title of "Best Airline for SAF Adoption (Commercial)." This accolade serves as a testament to the airline’s continuous investments in alternative fuels and its proactive approach to integrating sustainable practices into its daily commercial operations, reinforcing its long-term vision for a greener and more responsible aviation industry both in India and around the world.
