If your KLM flight was cancelled and you’ve been rebooked on an Air France flight, you might wonder what this means for your travel plans and compensation rights. Don’t worry — this situation is common, and you still have strong passenger protections under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261).
Here’s everything you need to know about your options for refund, rebooking, and Air France–KLM compensation.
Check your compensation online.
Understanding the Air France–KLM Merger
The merger placed Air France and KLM under one parent company to improve efficiency in operations, scheduling, and maintenance.
Still, each airline kept its own operating certificate, brand, and customer service. In practice, this means they work independently — a flight run by KLM is legally separate from one operated by Air France, even if both names appear on your ticket.
Why KLM Rebooks Passengers on Air France?
KLM and Air France belong to the same parent company, the Air France–KLM Group. This means that during disruptions — such as cancellations, technical issues, or operational changes — KLM can rebook passengers on Air France flights, and vice versa.
This partnership helps both airlines get passengers to their destinations faster, without waiting for the next available KLM-operated flight. It’s completely normal and safe to accept an Air France flight offered by KLM — your ticket and passenger rights remain valid.
Your Options After a KLM Cancellation
If your KLM flight cancelled unexpectedly, you may be entitled to:
- An alternative flight (often with Air France or another partner airline) to your final destination, as soon as possible.
- A full refund if you decide not to travel.
- Rebooking for a later date that suits you, depending on seat availability.
You can choose whichever option works best for you — you’re not required to accept the Air France flight if you prefer a refund instead.
KLM Compensation for Cancellations
If your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to KLM flight cancellation compensation under EU261.
The compensation depends on your flight distance and how much later you reach your destination:
| Flight Distance | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | €600 |
You can claim compensation even if KLM offers an alternative flight with Air France — as long as your arrival delay exceeds 3 hours compared to your original schedule.
Who Pays Compensation If a KLM Flight Is Cancelled and You’re Rebooked on Air France?
If your KLM flight is cancelled and you’re rebooked on an Air France flight, the responsibility for compensation remains with KLM, not Air France.
Here’s why:
- Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), the operating carrier that cancels the flight is responsible for paying compensation.
- In this case, it was KLM that cancelled the original flight, so KLM must handle your compensation claim — even if you were later flown by Air France as part of the same journey.
So, in this case, if KLM cancelled your flight and rebooked you on Air France, you should file your compensation claim with KLM.
Read more: Air France–KLM Compensation: What the Merger Means Under EU261?
KLM Refund vs. Compensation: What’s the Difference?
Many passengers confuse a refund with compensation, but they’re not the same.
A refund applies when your flight is cancelled and you choose not to travel — the airline must return the cost of your unused ticket.
Flight cancellation compensation, on the other hand, is an additional payment you may receive under EU261 when the cancellation or delay was within the airline’s control, such as technical or crew issues.
In some cases, you can be entitled to both a refund and compensation.
When a KLM flight is cancelled, the refund must be paid by KLM — the airline that issued your ticket and cancelled the flight.
Read more: KLM Refund For Cancelled Flight
Check your compensation online.
Should You Accept the Air France Flight?
Yes — in most cases, accepting an Air France replacement flight is a good option.
Because both airlines are part of the Air France–KLM Group, your booking remains valid, and you’re still covered under EU261.
You’ll arrive at your destination with minimal disruption, and if you qualify for compensation, you can still submit your claim to KLM.
Read more:
KLM Right to Care While You Wait
If your new flight is later the same day — or even the next day — you’re entitled to care and assistance while waiting.
KLM flight cancelled? Ask KLM for assistance!
The airline must provide:
- Meals and drinks suitable to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required
- Transport between the airport and hotel
- Access to communication, such as phone calls or emails
These rights apply regardless of whether the cancellation was due to bad weather, technical issues, strikes, or other operational problems.
Key Takeaways on KLM Cancellations
If KLM cancels your flight, you can choose refund, rebooking, or a later travel date.
Being rebooked on Air France is normal and safe — both airlines are part of the same group.
You may be entitled to KLM compensation if your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
Always submit your claim to the airline responsible for the cancellation (usually KLM).
You have a right to care — meals, hotel, and transport — while waiting for your new flight.
If your KLM flight is cancelled and you’re rebooked on Air France, your travel rights remain protected. You can accept the new flight, request a refund, and still claim compensation from KLM under EU261.
Featured photos by:
- Martijn Stoof, from Pexels
- Magda Ehlers, from Pexels