Initially announced before the COVID-19 pandemic, KLN Royal Dutch Airlines will begin its long-delayed service between Austin and Amsterdam on March 28.
The flights were originally scheduled to begin in May 2020, according to an Austin–Bergstrom International Airport news release, but that was postponed as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. According to the release, the flights will be offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning March 28.
“This week has been full of exciting news for AUS as we welcome nonstop services to Europe,” Gina Fiandaca, assistant city manager of the SD23 Mobility Outcome, said in the release. “Expanding Austin’s connection to Europe and new international destinations is a long-term goal for our airport and will support Austin’s growth and development as a tech hub and premiere destination.”
With the addition of the Austin route, KLM now serves 19 North American cities, according to the news release. The vibrant music scene and growing tech industry in the Austin area made it an attractive route option for the airline, according to the release.
“We are excited to expand our service and inaugurate the first scheduled service between Austin and Amsterdam,” Eric Caron, senior vice president and general manager of North America for Air France-KLM, said in the airport news release. “We look forward to connecting Austin to our global network via Schiphol and providing Europeans direct access to the dynamic city of Austin with its vibrant culture and robust tech industry.”
Austin is the second Lone Star State destination for the airline, joining Houston with KLM service, according to the release.
“After originally welcoming KLM to Austin in 2019, AUS is excited to finally launch nonstop service to Amsterdam,” Jaqueline Yaft, CEO of the Austin airport, said in the news release. “Offering direct service to European cities is a huge priority for AUS and this is a milestone we’ve been eager to meet since May of 2020.”
The news release also noted that KLM will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to serve the route. The release noted that the aircraft includes several amenities for passengers, including flat-beds with aisle access, HD entertainment and available Wi-Fi.
The release also noted that the flights will depart at 6 p.m. and arrive the next day at 10:20 a.m. Flights depart Amsterdam at 12:40 a.m. and arrive in Austin at 2:10 p.m. All times are local, according to the release.
According to the news release, the flights from AUS to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will provide passengers from Austin with the opportunity to connect to flights to more than 60 destinations across Africa, India and Europe. The Amsterdam airport is a popular facility for transfers as a result of its convenient single terminal design.