KLM cancels flights to Shanghai, L.A. after maintenance failures

KLM canceled two international flights scheduled for Sunday due to expedited maintenance on several Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet, the airline confirmed. The affected flights were bound for Shanghai and Los Angeles.

Despite Sunday’s cancellations, the airline stated that its other long-haul flights to Buenos Aires and a separate flight to Los Angeles are continuing as planned. Those services are being operated with Boeing 777 aircraft instead of 787s.

According to a KLM spokesperson, approximately 200 passengers per flight were rebooked onto alternative services, which could include aircraft operated by other airlines. “The passengers will still reach their destinations, but with some delay,” the spokesperson said.

The cancellations follow the discovery that, during earlier maintenance, incorrect procedures were used on specific parts of seven Boeing 787s. As a result, KLM has accelerated checks and maintenance on those aircraft.

On Saturday, KLM also grounded three flights to Mexico City, Chicago, and Portland for the same reason. All affected travelers were rebooked. The airline has not yet confirmed its operational plans for Monday.