Houston Airports is celebrating more than six decades of success with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. On September 4, 1957, KLM was the first to directly connect Houston to Europe through a flight from Amsterdam that arrived at Houston International Airport, which was later renamed William P. Hobby Airport. The original flight was operated with a DC-7C aircraft named “Zuider Zee” or South Sea. The first flight from Houston to Amsterdam departed on September 6, 1957. In 1969, the airline moved its air service to Houston’s new international Airport. The airport was later renamed George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and 66 years later, KLM continues to offer nonstop connections between Houston and Amsterdam. 

This year’s anniversary is marked with the unveiling of a renovated lounge inside Terminal D at Bush Airport. The lounge now features a front reception desk and a revised layout designed to streamline space and light. There is also a feature wall of KLM’s iconic Delft Blue houses, which are given out to long-haul business class passengers. Modern details include new flooring, wallpaper, fixtures and bathroom upgrades. 

“The KLM lounge renovation comes as Houston Airports builds a new international terminal designed to enhance our signature 5-Star passenger experience at Terminal D,” said Liliana Rambo, Chief Terminal Management Officer for Houston Airports. “The modern details inside the lounge continue out in our terminal. Modern furniture, new airline gates and polished flooring elevate the ambiance. In contrast, a new and expanded Terminal D-West Pier will soon welcome even more international passengers to Houston, a remarkable and world-class city.” 

This winter the Amsterdam-Houston route will also benefit from KLM’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with the new premium economy cabin. “Investment in signature lounges at international stations is the cornerstone of elevating the premium customer experience,” said Marleen van de Pol, Vice-President of Customer Service for KLM. “Branded lounges add to the connection with our customers in delivering our brand promise of creating memorable experiences.”

The lounge is open daily, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., for qualifying KLM, Air Frances and SkyTeam partner passengers, as well as Priority Pass members. Entry can also be purchased at the door for $50.