Dutch airline KLM said Saturday it has grounded seven of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft due to concerns over improper maintenance procedures involving a refueling component, prompting a wave of long-haul flight cancellations from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
Issues Identified in Routine Inspections
The airline said the issue was identified during a routine inspection and involves an “irregularity in how a specific refueling valve was maintained.” KLM did not specify whether the maintenance work had been performed internally or by a third-party provider. In a statement to Travel Radar, a spokesperson for KLM said:
“As a precaution, we have temporarily taken seven 787s out of service to conduct further inspections and ensure compliance with safety standards”
Network Disruption
The decision has led to disruptions in KLM’s international schedule, affecting routes to North America, Asia and Africa. Passengers on affected flights are being rebooked or offered refunds, the airline said.
KLM, the Dutch subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group, operates a fleet of more than 20 Boeing 787s. The Dreamliner is a long-range, wide-body aircraft typically used on intercontinental routes. It is unclear how long the aircraft will remain grounded.
The Dutch Civil Aviation Authority has been notified, and an investigation into the maintenance procedures is underway.
Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, advised travelers to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight status. Are you affected by this disruption? Let us know your stories in the comments below.
