Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated three-night concert series in Amsterdam is facing an unexpected challenge.
While the first night of her Eras Tour went off without a hitch, the remaining two nights are in jeopardy due to a KLM pilot strike that has resulted in more than 200 canceled flights.
Fans who traveled far and wide to catch a glimpse of the pop superstar are in a frenzy, desperate not to miss her electrifying performances.
The Dutch Airline Pilots Association is demanding a 12.25 percent pay increase from KLM, prompting workers to strike. Pilots are refusing overtime work and have an 8-hour strike planned for Saturday, among other actions, as reported by The Dutch Times.
KLM flights between Wednesday and July 2 are affected, although the airline is working to reschedule flights and offering refunds to customers. Around 270 flight cancellations have impacted more than 35,000 travelers, according to The Dutch Times.
“KLM fully understands the anxiety being experienced by customers given the uncertainty caused by the pilots’ industrial action and is giving customers as many options as possible, should they wish to change their plans,” the company said in a statement.
Despite KLM’s efforts, some devoted Swifties will now be unable to attend the remaining Amsterdam shows.
Margot, a France-based fan, resold her tickets via Ticketmaster after her KLM flight to Amsterdam was canceled. She also offered her hotel accommodations on social media to anyone who might need a place to stay.
“Due to flights being canceled (down bad; crying on the floor) I won’t be able to make it but I’m happy to transfer the room to anyone who would need it. Room booked from Saturday to Monday morning,” she wrote in a post.
Another fan, Chrissy, shared on X that KLM moved their flight from Saturday to Friday, but “since we have to work on that day we won’t be able to make it to the Eras Tour.”
James Oaks, whose X account says he’s based in Kansas City, Missouri, posted Monday that his flight to Amsterdam for the show was canceled. He didn’t immediately respond to a request to speak to NBC News.
“Shout out to @TicketmasterUK for refusing to allow us to resale our tickets to see @taylorswift13 in Amsterdam when our trip was cancelled due to an airline strike last minute,” Oaks wrote.
Another fan tagged KLM in a post, warning that if their family were unable to make the show because of the labor action, the pilots would be “the least of your problems.”
“You do not want a teenage girl as an enemy,” the user wrote. “They are the scariest people on earth.”
Meanwhile, some other fans are hoping to cash in on the unfortunate circumstances by asking to buy tickets from anyone unable to make the shows.
“Yo if any Americans can’t make it to the Amsterdam Eras Tour because KLM screwed you over, I’m here to take your ticket so it doesn’t go to waste,” one X user wrote.
Representatives from both KLM and the Dutch Airline Pilots Association had separate meetings with the Netherlands’ Labour Court, but the airline said Tuesday that the court determined that “it is unable to assist in the dispute at this time.”
The Dutch Airline Pilots Association did not immediately return a request for comment from NBC News.
This unexpected disruption has left many fans disappointed and scrambling to adjust their plans. As Swift’s Eras Tour continues to capture hearts worldwide, the Amsterdam leg of the tour is now marked by uncertainty and dashed hopes, highlighting the challenges of navigating large-scale events amid labor disputes.
While fans anxiously await news about their flights and concert plans, Swift’s team remains optimistic. “We are committed to ensuring that everyone who wants to see Taylor perform gets that chance,” a representative said. “We are working closely with local authorities and the airline to find solutions for affected fans.”
For now, Swift’s fans in Amsterdam are left in limbo, their excitement tempered by the unpredictability of travel disruptions. As the clock ticks closer to the second and third nights of the tour, all eyes are on KLM and the Dutch Airline Pilots Association to see if a resolution can be reached in time to save the shows.
