Dutch Airline KLM Sued Over Alleged Greenwashing

The Dutch subsidiary of Air France, KLM, is being sued by various environmental groups over greenwashing allegations. 

The groups are suing over KLM’s advertising campaign “Fly Responsibly”, which they claim breaches European consumer law by misleading the public over how sustainable the airline’s flights are. The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday by Dutch campaigners Fossielvrij NL, backed by environmental law charity ClientEarth and Reclame Fossielvrij.

KLM asserts it has invested millions of euros in a push toward a more environmentally-friendly air fleet and is aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

The Dutch airline attempted to resolve the issue with the groups prior to the suit being filed, though it came up short.

Speaking to Reuters, the airline said, “It would certainly not be in our interests to misinform our customers. It’s our responsibility to make future travel as sustainable as possible.”

“We believe that our communications comply with the applicable legislation and regulations.”