Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 crisis, KLM has been adapting its network and flight schedule in line with travel restrictions and demand. From 4th July, KLM will recommence a daily service between Bristol and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to assist with essential travel and repatriation.
Linking the South West to the capital city of the Netherlands, the route will be operated using an Embraer 190 aircraft, carrying 100 passengers. Throughout the summer period, passengers will have the opportunity to connect to up to 100 European and intercontinental destinations via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Benedicte Duval, General Manager for UK & Ireland said, “As borders reopen and travel restrictions begin to ease, safety is a prerequisite for KLM as we gradually resume travel. After this challenging period, we are delighted to be able to welcome our South West based customers back onboard.
“As we all adapt to this new environment, I can assure you that all KLM staff, both on the ground and on board, are committed to guaranteeing our passengers the highest levels of health & safety.”
Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport said: “We are delighted to see the return of KLM flights between Bristol Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. For customers in the South West and Wales region this is the first opportunity to book flights between Bristol and Amsterdam with KLM since the reduction in the flying programme due to Covid-19.
We have enjoyed an airline partnership with KLM for over 30 years and the decision to resume the daily scheduled flight from Bristol shows a commitment to the South West and is a clear indicator the region is open for business. The route offers world-wide connectivity via the Amsterdam hub needed for business, leisure and supporting inbound tourism to the area.
Customers can be assured we continue to liaise closely with Government, Department for Transport and Public Health England on the latest guidance available. Safety and security of our customers and staff is our key priority at all times and enhanced cleaning procedures and social-distancing policies are in place to keep our customers and colleagues safe, whilst providing these vital air links.”
Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, KLM has introduced many measures around screening and hygiene to protect customers and staff, both on board and at airports. KLM’s policy is based on national (RIVM) and international (WHO, IATA) guidelines, and complies with international law and regulations.
Since 11th May, face masks are compulsory on board and during boarding. Passengers are responsible for providing their own face masks.
This is in addition to a range of health & safety measures implemented by KLM and Bristol Airport in response to the COVID-19 health crisis, which include:
- The compulsory wearing of masks for all airline crew members and airport handling agents in contact with customers
- The modification of customer channels on the ground with the implementation of physical distancing along the customer journey at the airport and the installation of transparent protection screens at airports when possible
- The implementation of physical distancing in the airport and on board where this is possible. Current low load factors make it possible to separate customers in most circumstances. In cases where this is not possible, compulsory face masks ensure adequate health protection.
- The reinforcement of daily aircraft cleaning procedures, with the disinfection of all surfaces in contact with customers such as armrests, tables and screens
- Adapting in-flight service to limit interaction between customers and crew members. On domestic flights and short flights in Europe, meal and beverage services have been suspended. On long-haul flights, cabin service is limited and preference is given to individually wrapped products.
- Passengers screenings are conducted on flights to certain destinations in line with government guidance. For flights departing from Amsterdam to Canada, Singapore and South Korea, passengers are physically observed. Passengers flying to the last two destinations receive an additional temperature check.
