KLM Is Adding a Direct Flight From San Diego to Amsterdam — What to Know

The flights will start in May.

By Stella Shon Stella Shon

Stella Shon is an aviation news writer. Her work has been featured in publications including The Points Guy, USA Today, and others. Globetrotting more than 100,000 miles every year, she loves flying new airlines and scoping out remodeled airports. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on November 12, 2024

Close Boathouses lining a canal in Amsterdam on a sunny day. Photo:

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

San Diego International Airport (SAN) will gain a brand-new connection to Europe next summer thanks to Dutch carrier KLM.

Starting on May 8, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will offer nonstop flights between San Diego (SAN) and its mega-hub at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS). The year-round service will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the airline announced today.  

“The launch of KLM's direct service between Amsterdam and San Diego marks an exciting milestone in our North American expansion,” said vice president of commercial, North America at Air-France KLM, Boaz Hulsman, in a statement shared with T+L. “This new route opens a gateway to Southern California’s dynamic economy while connecting the San Diego community to Amsterdam and beyond. We’re excited to offer seamless connectivity to over 160+ destinations, enhancing travel options for both business and leisure travelers.”

The 11-hour flight from San Diego will depart at 2:55 p.m. and arrive in Amsterdam at 9:15 a.m. the following day, while the return service will leave Amsterdam at 9:50 a.m. and arrive in San Diego at 12 p.m. that same day.

Travelers onboard will find 30 World Business class seats, 21 Premium Comfort class seats, and 224 economy seats.

When it launches, this new Amsterdam service will become only the third nonstop flight to Europe from San Diego, joining existing routes to London offered by British Airways and Munich offered by Lufthansa. As a SkyTeam alliance member, KLM can provide seamless onward connections from Amsterdam through partnerships with airlines such as Delta Air Lines and Air France.

This route announcement follows KLM’s recent launch of service to Portland International Airport (PDX) just last month, making nearly two dozen North American cities accessible via the European airline. The new Portland route replaced a Delta-operated flight that previously connected the two cities.