KLM will lay off 5,000 employees. The head of the airline warns of a threat to the company

KLM's restructuring plan focuses on voluntary employee departures and not filling vacated positions. The airline aims to reduce staff through outsourcing, customer service digitization, and work reorganization. Changes will affect ground handling for KLM Cityhopper and baggage operations, with potential cuts to maintenance for unused aircraft. KLM's CEO, Marjan Rintel, warned that the airline's future is uncertain without an additional billion euros for fleet investments. The plans have faced criticism from major Dutch unions, while De Unie union viewed them more favorably, noting no forced layoffs are planned. KLM intends to discuss productivity improvements with unions, especially for 2028.