Airline Niederlande

The history of the Dutch aviation industry dates back to the early years of the 20th century. In 1919, the Royal Netherlands Aviation Company (KLM) was founded, which is now considered one of the oldest airlines still active in the world. In the decades that followed, other Dutch airlines developed, expanding passenger and freight traffic within Europe and beyond.

In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a consolidation in the industry, with some smaller suppliers being bought up or closed. At the same time, the larger companies such as KLM continued to expand and expanded their flight networks. With the liberalisation of the air transport market in Europe in the 1990s, new, independent low-cost airlines also emerged in the Netherlands.

Today, the Dutch aviation industry is an important economic factor for the country. The industry employs tens of thousands of people and makes a significant contribution to tourism and the connection of the Netherlands to the world. Innovative concepts and a high quality of service distinguish the Dutch airlines and make them sought-after partners for travellers from all over the world.

The largest airlines in the Netherlands

The Dutch aviation industry is dominated by a few major players that handle the majority of passenger and cargo traffic. The most important airlines include:

1. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: As the flagship of Dutch aviation, KLM is the largest and best-known airline in the country. With an extensive route network, modern aircraft and high quality of service, KLM is one of Europe's leading airlines.
2. Transavia: The low-cost airline Transavia is part of the KLM Group and offers short- and medium-haul flights at low prices.
3. Martinair: Martinair specialises in cargo flights and is one of the largest cargo providers in the Netherlands. The company operates a network of routes within Europe and to intercontinental destinations.
4. TUI fly Netherlands: The charter airline TUI fly Netherlands is part of the international TUI Group and primarily serves holiday destinations around the Mediterranean.
5. Eindhoven Air Base: Although not a commercial airline, Eindhoven Air Base is a major hub for Dutch air traffic as a military airport.

These companies have a significant impact on the aviation market in the Netherlands with their offers and strategies.

Destinations of the Dutch airlines

The Dutch airlines connect the Netherlands with destinations all over the world. In addition to a well-developed route network within Europe, they also fly to numerous intercontinental destinations:

• Europe: All major cities and hubs in Europe are served by Dutch airlines. Popular destinations include London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid and Rome.
• North and South America: KLM and other providers offer direct flights to destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America, including New York, Toronto, Cancún and São Paulo.
• Asia: Many Asian metropolises such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing and Singapore are directly accessible from the Netherlands.
• Africa: Popular African destinations of the Dutch airlines are Cape Town, Nairobi and Cairo.
• Oceania: Destinations in Australia and New Zealand will also be served from the Netherlands.

Airlines are constantly adapting their offerings to demand and continuously expanding their route network. This means that they offer travellers from the Netherlands and the surrounding countries a comprehensive flight programme.

The best airports in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a well-developed network of airports that handle air traffic at home and abroad. The main hubs include:

6. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: As the largest airport in the Netherlands and one of the busiest in Europe, Schiphol is the hub of Dutch aviation. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, efficient processes and a wide range of destinations, Schiphol is a model airport.
7. Eindhoven Airport: Eindhoven Airport is an important location for low-cost airlines and charter traffic. It mainly serves holiday destinations around the Mediterranean.
8. Rotterdam The Hague Airport: This airport in the Rotterdam/The Hague region specialises in domestic flights and destinations in the UK.
9. Groningen Airport Eelde: Groningen Airport in North Holland focuses on regional flights within the Netherlands and to northern Germany.
10. Maastricht Aachen Airport: Maastricht-Aachen Airport is located near the Belgian border and is an important transshipment point for freight.

These airports, together with numerous smaller regional airports, form an efficient air transport system that meets the needs of travellers and the economy in the Netherlands.

If you would like to find out more about flight connections and travel options in the Netherlands, please contact us. Our team of travel experts will provide you with comprehensive advice on flights, hotels and activities in this fascinating country.