The Netherlands plays a vital role in European and global aviation, serving as a major hub for international travelers, business executives, tourists, and cargo operators. With Amsterdam Schiphol Airport ranking among the busiest airports in Europe, Dutch airlines connect the country with destinations worldwide while also providing domestic and regional services. The list of airlines in Netherlands includes full-service carriers, low-cost operators, regional airlines, and cargo carriers that keep the Dutch aviation industry thriving.
Major International Airlines in the Netherlands
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – The national flag carrier and one of the oldest airlines in the world still operating under its original name. KLM has its main hub at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and offers extensive international connections to North America, Asia, Africa, South America, and within Europe.
Transavia Airlines – A low-cost subsidiary of the Air France–KLM Group, Transavia focuses on affordable travel to European destinations and popular holiday spots. It is known for its strong presence at Schiphol and Eindhoven airports.
Martinair – Originally a passenger airline, Martinair has evolved into a cargo-focused airline that works closely with KLM Cargo. It plays an important role in global trade and freight transport.
Low-Cost Airlines in the Netherlands
In addition to Transavia, the Netherlands is served by several international low-cost carriers:
- easyJet – Operates extensively from Amsterdam Schiphol, offering budget connections across Europe.
- Ryanair – Provides flights from Eindhoven Airport to major European destinations at competitive fares.
- Wizz Air – Offers affordable connections to Eastern and Central Europe from Dutch airports.
Domestic and Regional Airlines in the Netherlands
Due to the small geographic size of the Netherlands, there are limited domestic flights, but regional operators play a role in niche and charter services:
- AIS Airlines – A regional carrier operating small aircraft, providing connections to domestic and nearby European cities.
- Corendon Dutch Airlines – Focuses mainly on holiday charter services to Mediterranean and leisure destinations.
- TUI fly Netherlands – A leisure airline that operates both short-haul and long-haul flights, mainly targeting tourists.
Cargo Airlines in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a key logistics hub in Europe, and cargo airlines ensure efficient transport of goods worldwide:
- KLM Cargo – A division of KLM, providing extensive air freight services across continents.
- Martinair Cargo – Specializes in freight and works as part of the Air France–KLM–Martinair Cargo alliance.
- Cargolux (Luxembourg-based but active in the Netherlands) also uses Schiphol as a major cargo hub.
Airlines in the Netherlands by Category and Main Airports
| Airline Name | Category | Main Airport / Hub |
|---|---|---|
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | International | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
| Transavia Airlines | Low-Cost / Intl | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Eindhoven (EIN), Rotterdam (RTM) |
| Martinair Cargo | Cargo | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
| AIS Airlines | Domestic / Regional | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
| TUI fly Netherlands | Leisure / Intl | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
| Corendon Dutch Airlines | Charter / Intl | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
| KLM Cargo | Cargo | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
| easyJet | Low-Cost Intl | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
| Ryanair | Low-Cost Intl | Eindhoven Airport (EIN) |
| Wizz Air | Low-Cost Intl | Eindhoven Airport (EIN) |
| Cargolux (foreign carrier but active) | Cargo | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
Importance of Dutch Airlines in Global Aviation
The list of airlines in Netherlands demonstrates how the country successfully blends a national carrier with budget airlines, charter operators, and cargo carriers to create a highly efficient aviation system. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport continues to serve as one of Europe’s primary gateways, ensuring strong global connections for business, leisure, and trade.
DISCOVER ALSO: List of Domestic Airports in Netherlands – Guide by Region
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on List of Airlines in Netherlands
1. What is the national airline of the Netherlands?
The national airline of the Netherlands is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
2. Which is the largest airline in the Netherlands?
KLM is the largest and most important airline, with a global network.
3. Does the Netherlands have low-cost airlines?
Yes, Transavia Airlines is the main Dutch low-cost carrier, and airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet also operate from Dutch airports.
4. Which airport is the main hub for Dutch airlines?
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is the primary hub for Dutch airlines.
5. Does the Netherlands have domestic flights?
Due to its small size, the Netherlands has very limited domestic flights, with AIS Airlines serving niche routes.
6. What is Transavia Airlines known for?
Transavia is known for affordable flights to European cities and popular holiday destinations.
7. Are there airlines in the Netherlands that focus on tourism?
Yes, TUI fly Netherlands and Corendon Dutch Airlines mainly serve leisure and holiday travelers.
8. What are the main cargo airlines in the Netherlands?
The key cargo operators are KLM Cargo and Martinair Cargo.
9. Is Martinair still a passenger airline?
No, Martinair now focuses mainly on cargo services.
10. Which low-cost airline operates from Eindhoven Airport?
Ryanair operates from Eindhoven Airport, offering European routes.
11. What role does Amsterdam Schiphol Airport play in aviation?
It is one of Europe’s busiest hubs, serving as a gateway for passengers and cargo.
12. Can budget travelers fly easily from the Netherlands?
Yes, with low-cost carriers like Transavia, easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, budget travelers have many options.
13. Why is the Netherlands important in global aviation?
Because of its strong airlines, efficient airports, and strategic position, the Netherlands is a major European gateway for both passengers and cargo.
SEE ALSO: List of International Airports in Netherlands and Their Locations
Conclusion
The aviation sector in the Netherlands is defined by a combination of tradition and modernity, led by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and supported by low-cost carriers such as Transavia, easyJet, and Ryanair, alongside cargo specialists like Martinair. Whether for international long-haul flights, affordable European travel, or global trade, the airlines of the Netherlands guarantee connectivity that strengthens the country’s role in global aviation.