KLM Increases Schiphol Flights in Boost for Business and Holidaymakers

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced it is set to increase its Teesside to Amsterdam Schiphol route from two to three services a day during its 2026 winter season.

The route to the Dutch capital is a major draw for tourists and businesses alike, as the Schiphol hub provides connections to more than 160 destinations, while Amsterdam is a holiday hotspot in its own right.

The new flights will begin at 10am on Monday 26 October, marking the shift from summer to winter schedules, however these will briefly drop back to twice daily between 4 January and 21 February in line with demand.

Its early departure will mean local people can reach locations such as Washington DC, alongside Toronto, Canada, and Dubai in the UAE, with just one convenient connection at Amsterdam Schiphol.

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, said: “KLM has been a valued airline partner for years now and this extra route is once again showing commitment to our continued success.

“Amsterdam is a great destination for a city break or longer, and ideal for culture lovers, with an incredible array of art, museums, architecture and food. Vitally, Schiphol is one of Europe’s biggest and best airports, offering incredible connectivity just over an hour from Teesside.

“We’ll be delighted to welcome new and returning passengers when this flight takes off in autumn.”

Jerome Salemi, General Manager for Air France-KLM in the UK and Ireland, said: “We are very pleased to operate three daily flights from Teesside International Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol during the 2026 winter season. This clearly underlines our commitment to the region in offering the best air connectivity to Amsterdam and beyond for both business and leisure travellers.”

This new connection comes at the perfect time for local businesses, as many reap the benefits of the Tees Valley Export Fund. This offers financial backing to businesses starting out on their export journey or looking to grow or diversify their current export activities.

Grants between £3,000 and £10,000 are available for eligible companies, with a 25% match funding requirement, and applications open to 31 August 2026.

It aims to boost the number of our region’s firms involved in exporting and increase both the range and value of exports from companies already trading internationally.

KLM’s new service will help these firms fly worldwide from Teesside to attend global trade shows, forge new connections and secure business. Companies such as Nouveau Legal, digital outfit Observer Interactive and Hart Biologicals have already benefited.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This extra route is great news for passengers but also our local businesses as we encourage them to put themselves forward on the world stage.

“We’ve always said that inward investment doesn’t come by bus, it comes through an airport terminal. Seeing these companies succeed with the Export Fund and go out shouting about Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool while signing new contracts is fantastic – and now they have more options to do just that, from right here on their doorstep.”

The Export Fund is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).