KLM has begun offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to passengers travelling on its European routes, becoming one of the first airlines in the region to provide complimentary internet access on short-haul flights. The service is available from January 22 and allows passengers to browse the internet, send emails, stream content, listen to music, and use online apps throughout the flight.

The airline said the rollout will take place in phases across most aircraft operating within Europe. As of this week, around half of KLM’s European fleet is already equipped with free Wi-Fi. The service will be gradually extended to all A321neo aircraft, Embraer 195-E2 jets, and a portion of the Boeing 737-800 fleet over the coming years.

KLM stated that the decision was driven by repeated customer requests, particularly since its European aircraft do not feature in-seat entertainment screens. Passengers can access the free Wi-Fi after logging in or registering as a Flying Blue member, with unlimited connectivity available for the entire duration of the flight.

Commenting on the initiative, Stephanie Putzeist, responsible for customer experience at KLM, said, “We listen carefully to what our passengers value and free internet has been on their wish list for some time. Through this step, we are making travel within Europe more personal and comfortable: everyone can plan their flight in their own way and stay connected. We are delighted to realize this now for our passengers.’’

As part of its wider effort to enhance the short-haul travel experience, KLM has also strengthened its European fleet with new aircraft. The airline said it has added 12 new A321neo aircraft since August last year. These aircraft operate exclusively on European routes and feature onboard Wi-Fi along with redesigned seating aimed at improving passenger comfort.

KLM added that the combination of new aircraft and complimentary onboard internet reflects its continued focus on improving connectivity, comfort, and overall passenger experience on European flights.

The year began on a positive note, with pleasant weather and high travel enthusiasm giving global tourism a strong start. However, this optimism soon faced a setback due to rising political tensions and extreme weather conditions across key regions. A major disruption occurred on January 3, 2026, following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, who led Venezuela, by U.S. forces. The military operation in Caracas led to airspace closures and safety concerns across the Caribbean and northern South America. Destinations close to Venezuela faced flight bans and cancellations, with Canadian travellers avoiding Aruba and Curaçao. Colombia prepared for possible refugee movement and border instability, while Guyana increased security amid Essequibo tensions.

Even countries not directly involved felt the impact as travel advisories weakened visitor confidence. The FAA halted hundreds of flights to Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, stranding thousands during the peak holiday season. Puerto Rico alone saw over 400 flight cancellations, though airlines such as JetBlue and American offered flexible rebooking, and cruise operations resumed shortly after.

At the same time, tensions involving Iran disrupted Middle East tourism through flight cancellations and heightened advisories across the Gulf and Levant. Destinations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan were affected, with Petra witnessing a drop of over 75 percent in visitors and hotel occupancy falling to just 10 percent.

Adding to this slowdown, severe snowstorms across Russia and parts of Europe grounded flights, delayed transport, and restricted access to Alpine regions. Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula faced its worst snowfall in decades, discouraging tourism, while parts of France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland dealt with closures and safety warnings. Together, these factors have slowed January's global tourism, though stability is expected to return soon.

As Valentine’s Day moves away from grand gestures toward more personal and experience-led celebrations, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and COLOURS OF OBLU invite couples to mark Valentine’s Day 2026 on secluded Maldivian islands where simplicity, connection and calm take centre stage. Set against the natural beauty of the Maldives, the celebrations are designed for couples seeking more than a conventional dinner.

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