KLM delay and cancellation compensation
2.51%
Cancels
Of its scheduled flights
72.76%
Arrives on time
Within 15 minutes
21,027
Flights measured
January 2025 – August 2026
The cancellation rate is the number that matters on this page: cancellation is what triggers a refund right. Delay, in the United States, does not.
KLM is an EU carrier — EC 261 applies to much of what it flies
EC 261 covers any flight departing an EU airport on any airline, and flights arriving in the EU operated by an EU airline. Because KLM is an EU carrier, both legs of a European round trip are usually covered.
Where it applies, an arrival delay of three hours or more, a cancellation with less than fourteen days' notice, or denied boarding entitles you to a fixed sum by distance — roughly €250, €400 or €600. It is not payable when the cause was an extraordinary circumstance, which in practice means most weather and air traffic control disruption.
The one rule that applies everywhere
If KLM cancels your flight and you decline the alternative, you are owed your money back for the unused portion — whatever the reason, weather included. A voucher is something you may accept, never something you can be required to take.
Where KLM flies from, and what applies there
| Departing from | Flights | Scheme that applies |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 10,518 | EC 261 — cash compensation possible |
| United Kingdom | 10,447 | UK261 — cash compensation possible |
About KLM's record
Is KLM reliable?
KLM arrived on time 72.76% of the time across 21,027 flights, ranking 67 of 86 airlines measured. That is below average for the airlines measured here.
How often does KLM cancel flights?
2.51% of its scheduled flights were cancelled. Cancellation matters more than delay for a traveller: it is the outcome that costs a day, and the one that triggers a refund entitlement.
When KLM is late, how late is it?
About 0 minutes on average across its delayed arrivals.
This page explains published rules and is not legal advice. AirlineGrades is independent and not affiliated with KLM. Confirm current thresholds with the relevant regulator before relying on them. The full guide →