Flight KL-705 | Registration: PH-BKH
Date: 31 March 2025 | Location: Over the North Atlantic Ocean
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Introduction
On 31 March 2025, a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, registration PH-BKH, operating flight KL-705 from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (EHAM), Netherlands, to Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (SBGL), Brazil, experienced an unspecified fuel-related issue while cruising over the North Atlantic Ocean.
Approximately 200 nautical miles northwest of La Coruña, Spain, while maintaining FL340, the flight crew elected to discontinue the transatlantic crossing and return to Amsterdam. The aircraft landed safely on runway 36C approximately two hours after initiating the return leg.
No injuries were reported, and the flight was completed later that day by a replacement aircraft.
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Flight Details
• Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner
• Engines: 2 × General Electric GEnx-1B
• Operator: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Tail Number: PH-BKH
• Flight Number: KL-705
• Departure Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (EHAM), Netherlands
• Destination Airport: Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (SBGL), Brazil
• Date of Incident: 31 March 2025
• Phase of Flight: Cruise (North Atlantic Crossing)
• Altitude at Time of Event: FL340 (34,000 feet)
• Occupants: Not publicly disclosed
• Time of Diversion: Approx. 2 hours after departure
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Sequence of Events
Enroute Over the Atlantic
KL-705 departed Amsterdam and was cleared for its transatlantic route toward Rio de Janeiro. The aircraft climbed to its cruising altitude of FL340 and had entered North Atlantic airspace when the flight crew reportedly observed an issue involving the fuel system.
Decision to Return
Approximately 200 nautical miles northwest of La Coruña, the crew advised air traffic control that they were “unhappy with the fuel” and elected to discontinue the flight. While no fuel emergency or leak was publicly reported, the nature of the issue prompted a full return to the departure airport.
The aircraft reversed course and coordinated with Eurocontrol and Dutch ATC for re-entry into Amsterdam FIR airspace.
Landing and Follow-Up
The aircraft performed a safe and uneventful landing on runway 36C at Schiphol Airport roughly two hours after initiating the return. The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and was later taken out of service for further inspection.
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Operational Response
• Replacement Aircraft: Boeing 787-10 registration PH-BKG
• Delay to Passengers: Approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes
• Passenger Impact: Passengers were rebooked on the replacement flight to Rio, which successfully completed the journey the same day.
• Aircraft Status: PH-BKH remained on the ground in Amsterdam as of 3 April 2025 for further maintenance investigation.
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Technical Considerations and Potential Causes
The specific nature of the fuel problem has not yet been disclosed. However, possibilities include:
• Fuel Quantity Indication System (FQIS) Faults: Spurious readings or indication discrepancies may have led to uncertainty about available fuel.
• Fuel Leak Detection Systems: Sensors may have indicated a possible leak or imbalance.
• Crossfeed or Pump Malfunctions: Issues with transferring fuel between tanks could result in unbalanced or inaccessible fuel reserves.
• Incorrect Uplift: A potential mismatch between expected and actual fuel quantity loaded at departure.
KLM’s decision to return was consistent with conservative fuel policies and EASA guidelines, prioritising safety and avoiding oceanic crossing with unresolved discrepancies.
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Safety and Regulatory Actions
KLM has not issued a public statement as of this writing. The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) has not classified the event as a reportable serious incident but may review maintenance outcomes.
The aircraft has not re-entered service pending inspection and resolution of the fuel anomaly.
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Conclusion
This incident highlights the critical role of fuel monitoring systems and flight crew decision-making on long-haul intercontinental routes. While the issue did not escalate into an emergency, the crew’s decision to return reflects standard risk mitigation protocols under ETOPS and North Atlantic operational regulations.
Passengers were safely accommodated, and the return flight was completed later with only a minor disruption to the airline’s transatlantic operations.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and official statements as of 3 April 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
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