Are you wondering which airlines are Dutch? The Netherlands has several airlines with Dutch roots, but they do not all serve the same type of traveler. KLM is the Dutch flag carrier, while Transavia, TUI fly Netherlands, and Corendon Dutch Airlines focus largely on European and holiday destinations.
In this guide, we explain which airlines are Dutch, what makes them different, where they fly from, and which carrier may suit your trip best. We will also look at the Dutch airports you can use if you want to avoid Schiphol.
Last updated: August 29, 2026.
Which airlines are Dutch?
When people search for Dutch airlines, they usually want a simple answer. The main Dutch airline brands you are likely to encounter are KLM, Transavia, TUI fly Netherlands, and Corendon Dutch Airlines.
There is an important distinction, however. A company can be active in the Netherlands without being a Dutch airline. International airline groups can operate several national airline companies under the same brand or group structure.
KLM is the Dutch national airline
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the Netherlands’ national and flag carrier. Founded in 1919, KLM is also famous for continuing to operate under its original name. Its main hub is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, making it one of the most visible Dutch airlines for international travelers.
KLM is particularly important if you are travelling between the Netherlands and destinations outside Europe. Amsterdam is connected to a large network of international destinations, and many travelers use Schiphol as a connecting airport.
If you are flying through Amsterdam for the first time, our beginner’s guide to Schiphol Airport can help you understand the airport before your journey.
Transavia is the Dutch low cost airline
Transavia is another major Dutch airline. It belongs to the Air France KLM Group and operates as a low cost airline with a strong focus on European destinations and leisure travel.
Transavia is particularly popular for short breaks, summer holidays, city trips, and winter holidays. Its network makes it an interesting alternative for travelers who do not need the extensive intercontinental network offered by KLM.
Transavia also gives travelers more choice when deciding where to fly from. Depending on your destination and departure date, you may find flights from Amsterdam Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Eindhoven Airport, or other airports in its network.
TUI fly Netherlands is part of a larger international group
TUI fly Netherlands is the Dutch airline operation of TUI. TUI itself is an international travel group with airline operations in several European countries.
This can make the answer to the question “Is TUI a Dutch airline?” slightly confusing. The Dutch operation is based in the Netherlands and serves Dutch travelers, but the wider TUI airline business is international.
TUI is especially well known for holiday flights and package holidays. Many travelers choose TUI when they want their flight, hotel, and other parts of their holiday arranged together.
Corendon Dutch Airlines is a Dutch airline
Corendon Dutch Airlines is the Dutch airline within the wider Corendon travel group. Corendon has operations in more than one country, so it is worth distinguishing the Dutch airline from the group’s other airline companies.
For Dutch travelers, Corendon is particularly associated with package holidays and flights to popular sun destinations. The company combines its airline activities with its broader holiday business, which makes it different from a traditional network carrier such as KLM.
What is the Dutch national airline?
If you are looking for the official answer to the question “What is the Dutch national airline?”, the answer is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
KLM has represented Dutch aviation internationally for more than a century. Its blue aircraft, crown logo, and Amsterdam Schiphol hub are strongly associated with the Netherlands.
Why KLM is different from other Dutch airlines
The biggest difference is the type of network KLM operates. KLM is a network airline, which means that it can take passengers from the Netherlands to a large number of destinations and connect them onward through Amsterdam.
This is particularly useful when your final destination does not have a direct flight from the Netherlands. Instead of booking separate flights, you can often travel on one booking with a connection at Schiphol.
For travelers visiting the Netherlands from another country, this can make Amsterdam a convenient gateway to the country and to other parts of Europe.
KLM and international travel
KLM is especially relevant when you are travelling long distance. Its extensive international network makes it one of the most recognizable European airlines for intercontinental travel.
That does not automatically mean KLM is the best choice for every trip, though. For a short European holiday, a low cost carrier can sometimes offer a more suitable flight, particularly if you only need a basic ticket.
It is also worth comparing the total cost rather than just the advertised ticket price. Baggage, seat selection, departure airport, travel dates, and flexibility can all affect the final price.
If you have noticed that flights from Amsterdam can sometimes seem surprisingly expensive, our article why airplane tickets from Amsterdam can be expensive explains some of the reasons.
A famous Dutch connection
KLM also has a particularly unusual connection with the Dutch royal family. King Willem Alexander has worked as a KLM pilot and has flown commercial aircraft for the airline.
It is one of those facts that makes the airline feel particularly connected to Dutch life. KLM is not simply an airline operating in the Netherlands. It has become a recognizable part of the country’s international identity.
Transavia: a Dutch airline for European travel
If KLM represents the Netherlands on a global network, Transavia occupies a different part of the market. It is a Dutch low cost airline aimed largely at travelers looking for affordable flights within Europe and to popular holiday destinations.
Where does Transavia fly?
Transavia has a broad European network, with destinations that include popular Mediterranean holiday areas as well as cities and winter destinations.
This makes the airline particularly useful when your main goal is getting to your holiday destination without paying for services you may not need.
For example, a traveler heading to southern Europe for a week may prefer a straightforward Transavia flight rather than a full service network airline.
Is Transavia cheaper than KLM?
Transavia can be cheaper than KLM, but we should not assume that this will always be the case.
Airline prices change according to demand, availability, travel dates, school holidays, and many other factors. A flight that looks inexpensive when you first search can become considerably more expensive as seats sell.
The departure airport can also make a major difference. If you are flexible about where you start your journey, it can be worth comparing Schiphol with the other Dutch airports.
Eindhoven Airport can be particularly interesting for travelers looking for an alternative to Schiphol. We also have a guide to Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which can be a convenient option depending on where you live and where you are travelling.
Corendon and TUI: Dutch airlines with a holiday focus
Corendon Dutch Airlines
Corendon Dutch Airlines is a Dutch airline that is closely connected to the Corendon holiday business. This makes it a little different from KLM and Transavia, because many travelers encounter Corendon while searching for a complete holiday rather than only a flight.
Corendon focuses strongly on popular holiday destinations, particularly around the Mediterranean and other sunny destinations. Its Dutch airline operation is part of the wider Corendon Group, which also has airline companies in other countries. This distinction is useful because not every aircraft carrying the Corendon name is operated by the Dutch airline.
In 2026, Corendon Dutch Airlines continues to operate as a Dutch leisure carrier, with Amsterdam Schiphol playing an important role in its network. Corendon also uses aircraft from other operators for some services, so the airline operating a particular flight can depend on the route and season.
Why travelers choose Corendon
Corendon can be particularly attractive when we want to combine our flight with a hotel or package holiday. Instead of planning every part of the trip separately, we can arrange several elements through the same travel company.
This is especially useful for families and travelers who simply want to reach a sunny destination without spending hours comparing separate hotels, flights, and transfers.
Popular destinations can include places such as Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and the Canary Islands. The exact network changes according to the season, so we recommend checking the current schedule before booking.
Corendon is not the same as every airline in the Corendon Group
There is an important detail worth knowing if we are comparing airlines. Corendon Dutch Airlines is the Dutch airline, but the wider Corendon Group also operates airlines registered in other countries.
Therefore, seeing the Corendon name on a booking does not automatically mean that the flight will be operated by Corendon Dutch Airlines. The operating carrier shown on our booking is the best way to check who will actually operate the aircraft.
TUI fly Netherlands and its holiday network
Is TUI a Dutch airline?
The answer is slightly more complicated than simply saying yes or no.
TUI fly Netherlands is a Dutch airline operation, but it belongs to the much larger international TUI Group. TUI Group is headquartered in Germany and operates several airlines across Europe. The Dutch operation serves travelers in the Netherlands as part of this international group.
That means we can reasonably describe TUI fly Netherlands as a Dutch airline, while also recognizing that TUI itself is not a Dutch company.
This distinction is useful because the question “What airlines are Dutch?” can otherwise become confusing when an airline has a Dutch operation but belongs to an international parent company.
Where does TUI fly from in the Netherlands?
TUI fly has its main Dutch base at Amsterdam Schiphol, but its Dutch network also includes regional airports. Depending on the destination and season, flights can be available from airports including Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Groningen.
This can be a major advantage if we do not live close to Amsterdam. Sometimes the most convenient airport is not the biggest airport.
If we live in the south of the Netherlands, for example, it can be worth looking at Maastricht Aachen Airport. Travelers in the north may also want to compare their options with Groningen Airport Eelde.
Why TUI is popular with holiday travelers
TUI fly is particularly associated with package holidays and leisure travel. We can book a flight on its own, but many travelers encounter TUI when arranging a complete holiday that includes accommodation and other travel services.
The airline flies to a range of European, Caribbean, African, and other holiday destinations. In 2026, TUI continues to offer a substantial network from the Netherlands, including destinations such as Spain, Greece, Turkey, the Caribbean, and other popular holiday regions.
For travelers who prefer convenience over arranging every part of a trip separately, this can be an attractive option.
When TUI may be a better choice
TUI may make the most sense when our main goal is a holiday rather than simply getting from one city to another.
If we are booking a beach holiday, family holiday, or package holiday, the ability to combine flights and accommodation can simplify the planning process considerably.
On the other hand, if we are looking for a simple European city trip, we may find more suitable flight options with KLM or Transavia. The best Dutch airline therefore depends largely on the type of journey we are planning.
Which Dutch airline should you choose?
For long distance international travel: KLM
If we are travelling outside Europe and need a large international network, KLM is usually the first Dutch airline we should investigate. Other Dutch airline companies mostly only fly intercontinental to popular summer destinations.
Its Amsterdam Schiphol hub makes it particularly useful for connecting flights. We can often travel from the Netherlands to another continent with a connection in Amsterdam rather than arranging several separate tickets.
This convenience can be particularly valuable when we are travelling with children, have checked luggage, or simply want the reassurance of having our journey on one booking.
Of course, KLM is not automatically the cheapest option. If price is our main concern, comparing several airlines and departure airports can be worthwhile.
For affordable European trips: Transavia
If we are looking for a straightforward European flight, Transavia is one of the Dutch airlines we should compare first.
Its current network includes destinations across Europe and North Africa, with flights from several Dutch airports. This gives travelers more flexibility than simply searching from Schiphol.
For example, Transavia currently serves destinations from Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Rotterdam, depending on the route and season.
This is where choosing the right airport can make a significant difference to the overall travel experience. A slightly longer drive to a smaller airport may save time at the airport itself, or it may provide a better flight schedule.
For package holidays: TUI or Corendon
If our priority is a sunny holiday and we want to combine flights with accommodation, TUI and Corendon are worth comparing.
Both have a strong presence in the Dutch holiday market and are particularly relevant for travelers heading to popular beach destinations.
The best choice will depend on the destination, departure airport, travel dates, luggage requirements, hotel, and total package price. We should therefore compare the complete holiday rather than looking only at the flight price.
There is no single best Dutch airline
Although KLM is the Dutch national airline, that does not mean it is the best airline for every Dutch traveler.
For a long distance business trip, KLM may be the obvious choice. For a short European getaway, Transavia may be more suitable. For a package holiday, TUI or Corendon could be more convenient.
The airport we choose can be just as important as the airline. If Schiphol is inconvenient or expensive, checking Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Maastricht, or Groningen can open up different possibilities.
Where can you fly with Dutch airlines?
Schiphol is the main hub for Dutch aviation
For many international travelers, Amsterdam Schiphol is the first airport that comes to mind when we talk about Dutch airlines. That makes sense because KLM has its main hub here, while several other airlines also operate a substantial number of flights from Schiphol.
Schiphol is convenient when we need a large choice of destinations, particularly for international and intercontinental travel. However, its size and popularity can also make the airport busy.
If you are visiting Schiphol for the first time, our beginner’s guide to Schiphol Airport explains what to expect and how to make your journey easier.
Do not automatically choose Schiphol
One of the biggest mistakes we can make when booking a flight from the Netherlands is searching only for Amsterdam Schiphol.
The Netherlands has several commercial airports, and depending on where we live and where we are going, another airport may be considerably more convenient.
Eindhoven Airport is an important alternative, particularly for travelers in the south of the Netherlands. Rotterdam The Hague Airport can be a convenient choice for travelers in and around Rotterdam and The Hague.
There are also regional options. If we live in the south, Maastricht Aachen Airport may be worth checking. Travelers in the north can compare flights with Groningen Airport Eelde.
Why the departure airport matters
The cheapest flight is not necessarily the cheapest journey.
We should consider the cost and time of getting to the airport, parking or public transport, luggage, seat selection, and the total flight price. A flight that costs slightly less can become more expensive if reaching the airport requires a long journey.
The departure time matters too. An early morning flight from a distant airport may require an overnight stay or an expensive taxi. A slightly more expensive flight from a nearby airport could therefore be the better deal overall.
Are Dutch airlines always the cheapest choice?
Compare the complete price
It is tempting to assume that a low cost Dutch airline will always be cheaper than KLM or another full service carrier. In reality, airline prices change constantly.
We should compare the final price after adding anything we actually need, such as checked baggage, cabin baggage, seat selection, meals, or flexibility.
Travel dates also have a major effect. Flights around Dutch school holidays, Christmas, Easter, and popular summer weekends can become considerably more expensive.
Think about what is included
A cheap basic ticket can be excellent value if we are travelling light and do not need additional services.
For a family holiday, however, we may need several seats together and multiple pieces of luggage. In that situation, the difference between two airlines can become much smaller once we compare the complete booking.
This is also why we should not judge an airline only by its advertised starting price. The most suitable airline is the one that provides the best combination of price, schedule, airport, luggage allowance, and convenience for our particular trip.
When flying from Amsterdam costs more
Amsterdam Schiphol has an enormous choice of flights, but that does not mean every flight from Amsterdam will be inexpensive.
Demand, airport charges, available capacity, competition, and travel dates can all influence ticket prices. If we are flexible, comparing Dutch airports can sometimes reveal a better option.
Our guide explaining why airplane tickets from Amsterdam can be expensive goes into this question in more detail.
What should you do next?
Choose the airline based on your trip
Now that we know which airlines are Dutch, the next question is which one makes the most sense for our journey.
- Flying intercontinental? Start by comparing KLM and other major international carriers.
- Taking a European city trip? Compare Transavia with other airlines serving your destination.
- Planning a sunny package holiday? Compare TUI and Corendon based on the complete holiday price.
- Want to avoid Schiphol? Check Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Maastricht, and Groningen as well.
- Trying to save money? Compare the complete journey rather than just the headline flight price.
Find the right Dutch airport
If your airline choice is flexible, the next logical step is to decide which airport is most convenient.
For a first international journey through the Netherlands, start with our guide to Schiphol Airport. If you prefer a smaller airport, compare it with Eindhoven Airport or Rotterdam The Hague Airport.
Travelers living farther from the major cities can also investigate Maastricht Aachen Airport and Groningen Airport Eelde.
Our quick answer
So, what airlines are Dutch?
KLM, Transavia, TUI fly Netherlands, and Corendon Dutch Airlines are the main Dutch airline operations travelers are likely to encounter. KLM is the Dutch flag carrier and is particularly important for international and intercontinental travel. Transavia focuses strongly on European and leisure flights, while TUI fly Netherlands and Corendon Dutch Airlines have a strong focus on holiday travel.
There is no single best Dutch airline for everyone. The right choice depends on where we are going, where we live, how much luggage we have, whether we want a package holiday, and how much we value flexibility and convenience.
Once we look beyond the airline name and compare the complete journey, we can often find a much better option.
Continue planning your trip from the Netherlands
Choosing a Dutch airline is only the beginning. The next decision is often where to fly from and whether Schiphol is really the best option for us.
By comparing the different Dutch airports before booking, we can sometimes save time, reduce travel stress, or find a flight that fits our plans better.
