JERSEY will see the return of direct flights to Amsterdam with a new service to be launched by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in 2026, it has been announced.
The service will commence with weekly Saturday flights from 4 April, before switching to daily flights between 4 July and 30 August and then returning to weekly flights from 31 August until 24 October.
Flights are available to be booked, including online via the KLM website.
It will not be the first time that Islanders have been able to fly direct to the Netherlands’ capital.
Easyjet operated a route from the Island to Schiphol Airport for just one summer season in 2023 before scrapping it, with Ports of Jersey stating at the time that it “did not attract enough passengers from Amsterdam” to be retained.
But Jerome Salemi, Air France-KLM general manager for the UK, Jersey and Ireland, told the JEP that the new service – which will be operated by KLM Cityhopper with Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft – utilised a “very different” model.
“First with smaller aircraft, and then a lot of connecting traffic expected on this route, making it more resilient,” he explained, noting KLM’s “hub” in Schiphol Airport.
Mr Salemi said that the route’s performance would be monitored, but that the airline had an ambition for it to be “long-term”.
Ports of Jersey chief operating officer Stephen King said: “We are really hopeful that this route will be supported by Islanders and visitors.”
He added: “We are already encouraging KLM to be looking at 2027 and beyond, adding more frequency and more capacity, but the main focus is let’s make this a real success for 2026.”
The announcement comes amid strengthened efforts to bolster Jersey’s air links, after Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel revealed that up to £2m would be mobilised via the Better Business Support Package over 2025 and 2026 to support route development.
This year also saw Blue Islands launch twice-weekly direct flights from Jersey to Paris, which had been due to return next year prior to the airline’s collapse last month.
In August, Ports of Jersey chief executive Matt Thomas told the JEP that the States-owned entity was “speaking to a lot of airlines” about opportunities for new services in 2026 and 2027.
Commenting on the new flights to Amsterdam, he said: “Welcoming KLM to Jersey is an exciting moment for our Island’s connectivity.”
He described the route as “far more than a direct link to Amsterdam ”.
“It opens Jersey to KLM’s global network, meaning Islanders can reach major international destinations with one simple connection,” Mr Thomas continued.
“It will also mean strengthened tourism links, enabling new markets to discover Jersey.”
He added that improved connectivity “supports our economy, boosts tourism, and gives Islanders greater choice”.
“We’re proud to see this long-term ambition becoming a reality and look forward to working closely with KLM as the service launches in April.”
Deputy Morel said the route “strengthens Jersey’s links with the rest of the world” and would create opportunities for businesses, support the visitor economy and provide “more choice” for Islanders travelling internationally.
“We’re delighted to welcome KLM to Jersey and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring to our community and our economy,” he added.
“I hope Islanders and visitors alike will use this service, so it remains a key connection for Jersey for many years to come.”
