KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has officially inaugurated its direct service connecting Hyderabad with Amsterdam, marking a significant milestone in international aviation and tourism. From September 19, 2025, Hyderabad joins Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai as the fourth Indian city in KLM’s expanding network. The inaugural flight, KL 874, departed Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 2:20 a.m. and landed smoothly at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, symbolizing a new era of seamless travel between India and Europe.
This new route is not just an addition to KLM’s global map but also a reflection of Hyderabad’s rise as a vibrant business and cultural hub, strategically positioned to attract both business travelers and leisure tourists.
Hyderabad: A Rising Global Gateway
KLM’s decision to expand into Hyderabad underscores the city’s growing reputation as an international powerhouse. Known as India’s “Pharma Capital” and home to a thriving IT ecosystem, Hyderabad is now an essential link in global business networks.
At the launch event, KLM COO Maarten Stienen emphasized Hyderabad’s growing influence. He noted that the maiden flight was fully booked, showcasing strong passenger demand. Stienen highlighted that Hyderabad’s expanding role in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and information technology makes it a natural choice for KLM’s expansion strategy.
For global corporations with bases in Hyderabad, the direct connection to Amsterdam provides a time-saving link to European headquarters and beyond.
Flight Experience: Comfort Across All Classes
The Hyderabad–Amsterdam route will be served by the Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. Designed for long-haul comfort, the aircraft offers:
- World Business Class: 35 fully reclining seats for premium business travelers.
- Premium Comfort Class: 24 spacious seats catering to professionals and frequent flyers.
- Economy Class: 229 seats ensuring affordable travel for leisure and student travelers.
KLM’s careful configuration allows it to serve a diverse customer base, from corporate executives to young explorers. With 22 weekly flights currently available from its four Indian gateways, the airline plans to expand services to 27 weekly flights during the winter season.
Enhanced Access with IndiGo Partnership
Recognizing India’s vast domestic market, KLM has partnered with IndiGo, one of India’s leading low-cost carriers. This interline agreement allows passengers from smaller Indian cities to seamlessly connect to KLM’s international services through Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
Stefan Gumuseli, Air France-KLM’s General Manager for India and the Middle East, explained that this partnership significantly widens KLM’s reach in India. By combining IndiGo’s extensive domestic presence with KLM’s international network, passengers can enjoy hassle-free connectivity to Europe, North America, and Africa.
India’s Expanding Aviation Market
The Indian aviation sector has shown extraordinary resilience and growth following the pandemic. Passenger numbers for KLM in India have surged by nearly 80% since 2022, demonstrating the appetite for international travel. Hyderabad, with its dual role as a business capital and cultural hub, is expected to become one of the fastest-growing nodes in India’s international air travel map.
The Indian government’s investment in airport infrastructure, combined with the rising number of passport holders, supports this momentum. With more Indians seeking global opportunities for education, business, and leisure, Hyderabad’s direct flight to Amsterdam will serve as a gateway to over 160 destinations worldwide.
Strengthening Trade and Tourism
The direct Hyderabad–Amsterdam service is poised to boost trade, investment, and tourism flows between India and Europe. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, connects seamlessly to destinations across Europe, North America, and Africa.
For business travelers, this route means faster access to key markets in Germany, France, the UK, and the United States. For leisure travelers, it provides an efficient route to Europe’s top tourist destinations.
Hyderabad itself is no less attractive. With landmarks such as Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the UNESCO-recognized Qutb Shahi Tombs, the city combines heritage with modernity. Its vibrant culinary scene, known globally for Hyderabadi biryani, further strengthens its tourism appeal.
Hyderabad: A City of Opportunities
Hyderabad’s booming start-up ecosystem and its emergence as a global IT hub have positioned it as a key player in India’s economic growth story. The city is home to major multinational companies, biotech research parks, and pharmaceutical giants.
With the launch of KLM’s direct flights, Hyderabad is set to attract more international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate delegations. This increased accessibility is expected to bring in not only business travelers but also international tourists eager to explore India’s cultural heartlands.
The Road Ahead for KLM in India
The Hyderabad–Amsterdam connection is just the beginning of KLM’s deeper engagement with India. With demand for international travel steadily climbing, the airline is planning to enhance frequencies, explore new routes, and strengthen partnerships with Indian carriers.
KLM’s strategy aligns with India’s growing role as a global economic engine. As the number of outbound Indian travelers continues to rise, airlines offering direct, reliable, and comfortable services are positioned for long-term success.
Conclusion: A Milestone in Connectivity
The launch of KLM’s Hyderabad–Amsterdam flights marks more than just a new route—it symbolizes growing cooperation between India and Europe. This direct link will boost business relations, increase tourism opportunities, and bring the two regions closer together.
For Hyderabad, it is a defining moment that cements its position as both a global business hub and a cultural gateway. For travelers, it opens doors to convenient, world-class connections to Europe and beyond.
With this expansion, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines reinforces its commitment to strengthening global connectivity, ensuring passengers enjoy seamless travel experiences while fostering stronger trade and tourism ties between India and Europe.
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