KLM cabin crew given option of staying in Cyprus after safety concerns on Israel flights

KLM are taking action to calm the concerns of their staff on board flights to Israel this weekend, a spokesperson of the airline confirmed on Friday. The employees will be given the option of staying in Larnaca, Cyprus, rather than having to stay in Tel Aviv.

On Saturday, KLM will fly to Ben-Gurion, the biggest airport in Tel Aviv, for the first time since 2024. The Vereniging Nederlands Cabinepersoneel, an association for Dutch cabin crew employees, had reported that many cabin crew staff were concerned about the trips due to attacks from Houthi rebels from Yemen.

The airport was hit by rockets fired from the Houthis at the beginning of this month, and the rebels have threatened with more targeted attacks at the airport. A leading figure for the rebels had said on social media that Etihad Airways and the airline El Al are putting passengers in danger by ignoring these warnings.

The crew from Amsterdam will disembark in Larnaca, where a new crew will board the plane. They then fly to Tel Aviv and back to Amsterdam. Travelers should take into account a 30-minute stopover in Larnaca. KLM previously flew to Tel Aviv with a special stopover at the Cypriot airport.

The airline has always maintained that the safety of its staff is the highest priority. They also admitted that they noticed the concerns among their colleagues. By allowing staff to stay overnight in Larnaca, they will not have to stay in Tel Aviv any longer than necessary, the spokesman said.

The spokesperson would not say how many employees have indicated that they do not want to fly to Israel at all. He did say that the schedule is done in good consultation and that this has not led to any problems so far.