KLM cancelled three flights on Saturday after discovering errors in the maintenance procedures of several Boeing 787 aircraft. The airline says it uncovered issues with how specific maintenance tasks were carried out.
Affected passengers were rebooked, but further delays and disruptions may occur in the coming days. KLM operates a fleet of 24 Boeing 787s. Seven of these have been grounded after the airline identified that maintenance procedures had not been followed correctly. The aircraft will now undergo repairs.
The issue involves a component used during aircraft refuelling. “The maintenance procedures were not followed as prescribed by Boeing,” a KLM spokesperson explained. “Based on several safety checks, we decided to ground the aircraft for maintenance. They will return to service once they meet the required guidelines.”
Each aircraft will take about three days to repair. “It will take approximately a month before all of them are back in operation,” the spokesperson added.
A flight to Mexico City that was scheduled to be operated with a Boeing 787 on Saturday was cancelled. “That flight will be operated tomorrow with a different aircraft,” KLM confirmed. Passengers on flights to Chicago and Portland also experienced delays as their flights were rebooked.
KLM anticipates ongoing operational impact. “We are evaluating the situation daily. Where possible, replacement aircraft are being used. If not, passengers will be rebooked on alternative flights,” the airline said.