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KLM Boosts Amsterdam–Cape Town Service with More Flights and Enhanced Comfort for 2025/26 Season KLM Boosts Amsterdam–Cape Town Service with More Flights and Enhanced Comfort for 2025/26 Season

African tourism professionals have a new reason to anticipate a surge in demand this upcoming summer: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced an expansion of its flight operations between Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) for the 2025/26 Northern Hemisphere winter season. Starting October 26, 2025, KLM will increase its frequency to 11 flights per week—up from 10 flights during the previous winter. This enhancement not only creates additional capacity but also caters to the evolving needs of travellers seeking flexibility and comfort during South Africa’s busiest travel months.

From October 27, 2025, passengers flying this popular route will benefit from a carefully balanced schedule supported by KLM’s modern fleet. The Amsterdam–Cape Town rotation will be operated using a mix of Boeing 777-200ER, Boeing 777-300ER, and the technologically advanced Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This move is particularly significant, as the Dreamliner is renowned for its fuel efficiency, quieter cabin, and enhanced passenger comfort—features that will appeal to discerning travellers and business clients alike.

The updated schedule will provide travellers with both morning and evening departure options from Amsterdam. Flight KL597 will leave at 09:30, arriving in Cape Town at 21:55, while KL595 departs at 17:45, touching down at 06:10 the following day. On the return leg, Cape Town to Amsterdam, KL596 will depart at 08:05 and land at 18:55, with KL598 taking off at 23:45 and arriving at 10:40 the next morning. Notably, from January 9, 2026, evening flights (KL595 and KL596) will be operated by the Boeing 787-9, introducing the Dreamliner’s premium in-flight experience to the night rotation and further distinguishing KLM’s offering in the market.

This incremental increase in weekly flights may seem modest, yet its impact on the ground is substantial. Cape Town remains a top intercontinental draw for KLM, especially during the European winter when demand for sun-drenched destinations soars. The new schedule enhances choice, offering greater flexibility for both leisure and business travellers. For African tourism suppliers, hoteliers, and destination managers, the expanded service means more seat availability, improved connection opportunities, and heightened visibility for Cape Town as a hub for both inbound and outbound travel.

The equipment upgrade to the Boeing 787-9 on selected frequencies also signals KLM’s commitment to sustainability and quality. The Dreamliner’s improved fuel efficiency contributes to lower emissions, an increasingly important consideration for international partners and environmentally conscious travellers. Meanwhile, its quieter cabin, advanced air filtration, and mood lighting are designed to reduce travel fatigue, making it an attractive proposition for long-haul journeys. African travel professionals should see this as a chance to promote the added value of the route, particularly to premium and corporate markets that prioritise comfort and reliability.

Looking at the year-on-year comparison, the 2024/25 winter season saw 10 flights per week, mainly operated by the Boeing 777-200ER and 777-300ER types. For 2025/26, KLM is not only increasing the number of flights but diversifying its fleet with the inclusion of the 787-9, particularly on the evening departures from January onward. This strategic enhancement offers more travel day options and positions Cape Town as a leading southern African gateway for both short-stay and multi-stop itineraries. It is also likely to stimulate greater interest from European tour operators, MICE planners, and international business delegations seeking seamless connections and dependable schedules.

The timing of this expansion is key. South Africa’s “Mother City” experiences its peak tourism months during the European winter, making seat availability crucial for both inbound tourists and outbound African travellers connecting via Amsterdam. With improved frequencies and more attractive departure times, KLM’s adjustment not only meets present demand but anticipates further growth in the region’s tourism and business travel sectors.

For African industry professionals, this development prompts a closer look at how increased connectivity is shaping destination competitiveness. As more airlines invest in South Africa’s entry points, it becomes essential to align product offerings, marketing initiatives, and distribution strategies with these enhanced air links. The uplift in KLM’s Amsterdam–Cape Town service is likely to catalyse new partnerships with European wholesalers, inspire fresh packages for both leisure and business segments, and accelerate the region’s recovery as a premier destination for international visitors.

The broader implication for the African travel sector is clear: as global carriers such as KLM expand their schedules and invest in advanced aircraft for African routes, the continent’s tourism value proposition becomes more compelling. The shift signals a renewed confidence in South Africa’s market resilience and a recognition of Cape Town’s enduring appeal as a cosmopolitan centre for culture, commerce, and adventure.

Industry observers will be watching to see how this increase in capacity reverberates across hotel occupancies, tour operator bookings, and the wider service ecosystem. For those ready to capitalise on the new opportunities, the message is one of optimism—more flights, better aircraft, and greater flexibility are setting a new benchmark for travel to and from Africa’s southern tip.