KLM to cut about 1,000 jobs in wider restructuring as profits rise

KLM announced on Thursday 5 November 2026 that it expects about 1,000 positions to disappear through productivity improvements, as part of a wider restructuring that will cut its headcount by almost 15%. The announcement came the same day Air France-KLM reported third-quarter profit ahead of analyst expectations, according to AeroTime.

The restructuring in detail

AeroTime reports that around 5,000 positions have been or will be affected by the reorganisation, through outsourcing, transfers within Air France-KLM and productivity gains. AirlineGeeks says about 800 ground services positions will move to external providers, while 2,000 positions, including 1,500 at contact centre Cygnific, will transfer to Air France-KLM. AeroTime adds that 1,250 positions at KLM Catering Services are also covered, where work has been done with gategroup since spring 2026.

KLM says it will try to limit the impact through natural attrition, voluntary arrangements and transfers. One Mile at a Time notes that mass layoffs are not expected. KLM is also seeking new labour agreements delivering productivity gains of at least 8% by 2028, alongside restrained wage growth.

CEO Marjan Rintel said in a statement that "KLM's future is not guaranteed". The airline says it needs a further €1 billion a year in earnings improvement to fund fleet renewal, customer service and other investments. AeroTime says its Back on Track programme, launched in October 2024, has already delivered more than €750 million in structural improvements.

A simpler European fleet

KLM will replace its previously planned Airbus A320s with Embraer E195-E2s, keep the A321neo, and phase out Boeing 737s and Embraer E190s, per AirlineGeeks. This gives KLM Cityhopper a larger role. One Mile at a Time says the long-term European mix will be 227-seat A321neos and 132-seat E195-E2s, within a planned overall fleet of 185 aircraft, and that the A320neos from the wider group order are instead going to Transavia.

AeroTime adds that KLM plans to consolidate cargo activities at Schiphol and adjust maintenance as older types leave the fleet.

Group results

Air France-KLM's adjusted operating profit rose by €126 million to €1.35 billion, against analyst expectations of €1.1 billion, AeroTime reports. Revenue rose 7.6% to €9.9 billion. KLM's quarterly operating profit was €458 million, up from €352 million, while Air France reported €811 million.

The group raised its 2026 fuel bill forecast to $9.2 billion after hedging. It cited the Middle East crisis, which it says boosted demand for nonstop flights to Asia and India as passengers avoided Gulf hubs. It also raised passenger surcharges. Fourth-quarter booked load factors were about one percentage point below 2025 levels as of 28 October, per its investor presentation. The group also said it will pursue growth in Portugal through Transavia after Lufthansa was chosen over it for a stake in TAP Air Portugal.

What this means for travellers

• Europe fleet: expect more Embraer E195-E2 flights on KLM European routes over the coming years, and fewer Boeing 737s and Embraer E190s.
• Ground services and catering: work will shift to external providers or partners, though the sources do not say how service standards will be affected.
• Fares: Air France-KLM has already raised passenger surcharges to recover fuel costs.
• Asia: the sources cite strong demand for nonstop Asia and India flights, but do not announce any KLM route changes.

It is not yet known how the job cuts will affect day-to-day operations, or whether unions will agree to the proposed labour terms.

Sources: AirlineGeeks, AeroTime, One Mile at a Time.