KLM boosts profit by shifting higher kerosene costs to passengers

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines reported an operating profit of €176 million for the latest quarter, €3 million above the same period a year earlier, despite disruptions caused by the Iran war. The airline passed the sharply higher kerosene price onto passengers, especially on long‑haul routes to Asia, achieving an 85 % cost pass‑through versus an expected 60 %.

Higher fares were possible because rival carriers such as Qatar Airways and Emirates reduced their flight levels in the Middle East, allowing KLM to charge more on flights to and from Asia. Demand from Asian and North American markets remained strong enough to support the price increase.

Within the Air France‑KLM group, total profit fell to €484 million, €251 million less than a year earlier. The low‑cost subsidiary Transavia posted a €35 million loss, while cargo revenue grew by more than a quarter, helped by the shift from sea to air transport amid the regional conflict.