Knowing what to do if your KLM flight is cancelled can make a big difference when travel plans suddenly change. While cancellations are stressful, European air passenger rights offer strong protection. Whether your trip is short-haul or long-haul, you have clear options — from getting a refund to claiming compensation.
Here’s what you need to know and what steps to take.
Check your compensation online.
What to Do if Your KLM Flight Is Cancelled?
Understanding what to do if your KLM flight is cancelled helps you act quickly — you may be entitled to a refund, rebooking, or compensation under EU261.
Know Your Rights Under EU Regulation 261/2004
When KLM cancels a flight, the airline must offer you the following:
- Rebooking: KLM must offer you an alternative flight to your destination as soon as possible. This may be on another KLM flight, or occasionally on Air France, since both airlines belong to the same group.
- Refund: If you no longer wish to travel, you can request a full refund for the unused part of your ticket. Keep in mind that you can’t receive both a refund and a new flight.
- Compensation: If your flight is cancelled due to technical problems or other issues within the airline’s control, you’re entitled to flight cancellation compensation under EU261. You can submit your claim after the disruption, but keep in mind that compensation payments are not immediate — it may take some time for the airline to process and send the money. If you accept a refund, you can still claim compensation. A refund and compensation are not the same thing!
- Right to care: If your flight is cancelled at the last-minute (you are at the airport when it gets cancelled), you are entitled to care from the airline.
Check Why Your Flight Was Cancelled (You’ll Need It for a Claim)
First, find out why your KLM flight was cancelled.
Common reasons include:
- Technical problems with the aircraft
- Bad weather
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Strikes (either strikes by KLM staff or airport workers)
If the reason was within KLM’s control, such as a technical fault, KLM staff strikes, or crew shortage, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261).
If it was caused by extraordinary circumstances — for example, severe weather, air traffic control restrictions or security issues — you may not be eligible for compensation, but you still have the right to care (meals, accommodation, and transport).
Airlines, including KLM, often claim that a flight was cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, even when that may not be the case. This is a common way for airlines to deny compensation and avoid payouts.
Don’t take their explanation at face value — always check the facts and verify whether the reason truly qualifies as extraordinary under EU261.
What to Do if Your KLM Flight Is Cancelled Last-Minute?
KLM flight cancelled last minute? Stay where you are and contact KLM customer service to learn your next steps.
Whether you’re at home, in a hotel, or already at the airport, wait for KLM’s instructions before doing anything. You’re entitled to care, a free alternative flight, or a refund — even if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances.
If you’re at the airport, don’t go through security until you’ve spoken to KLM staff and received your new boarding pass or travel details.
Knowing what to do if your KLM flight is cancelled can save you time and frustration — KLM is responsible for issuing your refund if you choose not to travel.
KLM Flight Cancellation Compensation
If your KLM flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you might be entitled to KLM flight cancellation compensation under EU261.
The compensation depends on the flight distance:
- Up to 1,500 km €250
- 1,500–3,500 km €400
- Over 3,500 km €600
You can still receive compensation even if KLM offers you a new flight.
Also, you can claim compensation if you accept a refund instead of a new flight. A refund and compensation are not the same thing.
Read more: How to Claim KLM Compensation?
Check your compensation online.
Right to Care During the Disruption
Your KLM flight is cancelled at the last minute, and you are stuck at the airport.
The airline must also provide care and assistance while you wait. This includes:
- Meals and refreshments appropriate to the wait
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required
- Transport between the airport and hotel
- Access to communication, such as phone calls or emails
These benefits apply regardless of the cancellation reason — even if it’s due to bad weather or strikes.
Read more: Right to Care
If You’re Rebooked on Air France
It’s common for KLM to rebook passengers on Air France flights, as both are part of the same group. This is completely normal and allowed under EU law.
You can safely accept the Air France flight — your ticket and protection under EU261 remain valid.
If the cancellation was KLM’s fault, your compensation claim still goes to KLM, even if you end up flying with Air France.
Read more: KLM Flight Cancelled, Rebooked on Air France: What Are Your Rights?
