When big names like KLM and Air France make headlines, it’s usually not a cause for concern – unless it’s a data breach. That’s exactly what has happened now: The two renowned airlines recently had to admit to a security problem that arose via an external service provider. Thousands of customer data are affected, including sensitive information such as addresses, telephone numbers and travel details.
What is behind the incident – and how can customers better protect themselves in the future?
What Happened?
According to the airlines, an external customer service provider was attacked, which, among other things, handled support requests in connection with the Flying Blue frequent flyer program. Personal data was illegally accessed. Although no payment data or passwords were affected, names, email addresses, telephone numbers and travel data were compromised – an attractive target for later phishing attacks.
KLM and Air France have already informed the affected customers by email and explained that they are working closely with security authorities. Nevertheless, a stale aftertaste remains: The airlines themselves were not directly the target, but customer confidence suffers.
Why are External Service Providers a Security Risk?
More and more large companies are outsourcing customer service, accounting or IT – often to service providers at home or abroad. These companies are contractually bound, but security standards vary greatly. A single error, an outdated server or an unprotected API can be enough to provide attackers with a gateway.
As a customer, you rarely notice this. You contact the airline – but in the background, the service runs via third parties. That’s exactly what happened in this case.
Which Data is Affected?
According to the airlines, the following data, among others, was compromised:
- First and last name
- Email Address
- Phone number
- Frequent flyer number (Flying Blue)
- Travel history and travel dates
This information is enough to launch targeted phishing attacks – for example, in the form of alleged flight change emails or bonus promotions that actually contain malware.
Am I Affected?
If you have booked with KLM, Air France or via the Flying Blue program in recent years, you should check your email inboxes. The airlines have informed affected persons directly. Look out for emails with the sender “no-reply@klm.com” or “support@airfrance.com”.
Even if you have not received a message, it may be useful to update your customer data – and protect yourself preventively.
5 Concrete Tips to Protect your Data
Even if you couldn’t prevent anything directly – with a few simple measures you can better protect yourself in the future:
1. Change passwords regularly
Never use the same password for multiple services – especially not for email, flight portals and online banking. Change your passwords every 3 to 6 months. Tools such as password managers (e.g. Bitwarden or KeePass) help with this.
2. Choose strong passwords
“Vacation2024” or “KLM123” are not secure passwords. Better: a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. Example: “D@tenS!cher2025_KLM”.
3. Use two-factor authentication
Many portals – including airlines – offer an additional level of protection. In addition to your password, you enter a code that is sent to you via app or SMS. This protects your data, even if the password becomes known.
4. Recognize and delete phishing emails
Never click on links in suspicious emails – even if they appear to come from the airline. Always check the exact sender address and look for spelling mistakes or requests to disclose personal data.
5. Check flight portals and frequent flyer accounts regularly
Log in to your customer accounts and check stored data. Remove old payment methods, outdated addresses or inactive bonus cards. The less stored there, the lower the risk.
What Does this Mean for the Future?
The incident at KLM and Air France shows how sensitive our travel data is – and how easily it can fall into the wrong hands via detours. Even renowned companies are not immune to security gaps when they work with third-party providers.
For us as consumers, this means: Don’t just pay attention to the brand, but also to the handling of personal information. Anyone who flies regularly should secure their accounts and check their own data once too often rather than too little.
Conclusion: Security Starts with You
Whether frequent flyer or occasional traveler – data security should be a routine for everyone. With the right measures, you can protect yourself, even if large companies fail to close all the gaps.
The KLM/Air France case is a wake-up call – and an opportunity to improve your own digital hygiene.
