KLM expands Schiphol route from Teesside

A North East airport is expanding its global reach after securing an additional daily flight to one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will increase flights between Teesside Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol from two to three a day during its 2026 winter schedule, starting on October 26. 

Services will temporarily return to twice daily between January 4 and February 21 to reflect seasonal demand.

The additional flight will improve access to Schiphol’s network of more than 160 destinations, giving passengers easier onward connections to cities including Washington, D.C., Toronto and Dubai via a single stop.

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside Airport, said: “KLM has been a valued airline partner for years now and this extra route is once again showing commitment to our continued success.

“Amsterdam is a great destination for a city break or longer, and ideal for culture lovers, with an incredible array of art, museums, architecture and food. 

“Vitally, Schiphol is one of Europe’s biggest and best airports, offering incredible connectivity just over an hour from Teesside.

“We’ll be delighted to welcome new and returning passengers when this flight takes off in autumn.”

Jerome Salemi, general manager for Air France-KLM in the UK and Ireland, added: “We are very pleased to operate three daily flights from Teesside International Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol during the 2026 winter season. 

“This clearly underlines our commitment to the region in offering the best air connectivity to Amsterdam and beyond for both business and leisure travellers."

The expanded schedule is also expected to benefit regional businesses, particularly those looking to grow international trade. 

Companies can access grants of between £3000 and £10,000 through the Tees Valley Export Fund to support new or expanded export activity, with applications open until August 31. 

Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade, the scheme is designed to help more Tees Valley firms access overseas markets, attend trade events and develop new international opportunities.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “This extra route is great news for passengers but also our local businesses as we encourage them to put themselves forward on the world stage.

“We’ve always said that inward investment doesn’t come by bus, it comes through an airport terminal. 

“Seeing these companies succeed with the Export Fund and go out shouting about Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool while signing new contracts is fantastic – and now they have more options to do just that, from right here on their doorstep.”

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