KLM 777 Amsterdam-Rio de Janeiro Declares Emergency (2024)

Currently Holding…

KL705 is currently holding over Hauts-de-France, presumably to burn fuel as it will be heavy due to how long it’s original flight was supposed to be.

About PH-BQB: The KLM Aircraft Involved in the Emergency on KL705 Amsterdam-Rio de Janeiro…

PH-BQB is understood to be the aircraft involved in this emergency.

Also, as per Planespotters, PH-BQB is a 20.7 year old Boeing 777-200ER that was delivered to the airline in November 2003.

Furthermore, of the 777 variant, the Dutch carrier has 15 of them, of which all but one are in active service.

Average fleet age for the 777-200s at KLM stand at 19.5 years.

Just a Singular Hold?

KLM flight KL705, originally bound for Rio de Janeiro, has come out of it’s hold already and is tracking towards Amsterdam, indicating that the emergency is serious enough or they have burned enough fuel and are happy to do a heavy landing.

Cause Still Unclear…

At this time, it is unclear what the nature of the emergency is.

What Does The ADS-B Data Show Us So Far?

Furthermore, ADS-B data from RadarBox shows us the following so far:

• No rapid descents.
• Confirmed that the KLM Boeing 777 involved in the emergency will be heading back to Amsterdam.
• Currently at FL290 at a ground speed of 440 knots (Estimated).

A Technical Issue…

Also, via their flight status page, the airline has stated that technical issues have taken place.

Moreover, what the nature of those technical issues are yet to be seen.

Descent Commenced…

KL705 has commenced it’s descent into Schiphol from FL290, with an emergency landing expected in the next 10-15 minutes.

Deviation into a Hold?

KL705 is now tracking away from Schiphol, with the aircraft likely requesting additional track miles so then they can descend adequately before the landing.

Slow Descent Rate…

The extra track miles have been needed by the crew clearly.

Average descent rate at the moment is anywhere between -1,200fpm to -1,400fpm, so there does appear to be a problem with the aircraft, otherwise it would have descended a lot faster.

Airline is Still Ascertaining Information…

AviationSource has contacted KLM for a comment on KL705 Amsterdam-Rio de Janeiro.

They are not able to provide comment currently as they are still trying to ascertain information before releasing a statement.

Deviations Continue…

KL705 continues to operate deviations off the coast of Amsterdam, and is currently at FL100 whilst this is taking place.

Going in for the Approach…

KLM flight KL705, originally bound for Rio de Janeiro, has initiated another descent and appears to be tracking towards the centre fix to begin it’s emergency landing into Amsterdam Schiphol.

Arrival Runway Unclear…

At this stage, it is unclear which runway KL705 will take for it’s emergency landing at AMS.

The aircraft is about to track over the Amsterdam City Centre through 6,000 feet.

Either Runway 24 or 27 Expected…

By the looks of the track taken, KL705 will either take Runway 24 or Runway 27, which both have good lengths to deal with emergencies.

On Final…

KL705 is now on final approach for Runway 27 at AMS: Emergency landing expected imminently.

TOUCHDOWN!

TOUCHDOWN! KLM flight KL705, originally bound for Rio de Janeiro, has appeared to have touched down safely into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport following it’s emergency broadcast.

As soon as we have more information pertinent to the cause, then we will update you accordingly.

For now, this remains a developing story pending additional updates.

Runway Vacated…

KL705 has vacated the runway.

Taxiing to a Gate…

KL705 is taxiing to a gate so then it can disembark the passengers back into the main terminal at Schiphol Airport.

Brings an End to Our Live Coverage…

And that is that for our live coverage of this emergency. Thank you for following! If you want a recap of what has happened so far, then view the video below!:

Cause of Emergency?

@FlightEmergency on X confirms that the cause of today’s emergency was due to a hydraulic problem on the KLM Boeing 777.

KLM Releases Statement…

KLM has released the following statement on the emergency yesterday. A spokesperson said:

“The KL705 bound for Rio de Janeiro returned to Schiphol on Sunday afternoon after about 40 minutes as a precaution due to a technical issue.”

“The safety of our passengers and crew members was not compromised.”

“Passengers were brought to their destination at 5:30 PM on the same day using a replacement aircraft.”