On Feb 20th 2026, a KLM Cityhopper Embraer E195-E2, registration PH-NXG, returned to Amsterdam shortly after departure following a slat malfunction during climb.
Flight KL-1983 had departed runway 18L in Amsterdam bound for Belgrade and was climbing when the crew stopped the ascent at FL130, reporting a technical issue requiring a return to the departure airport. The pilots later informed passengers that a slat failure had occurred. While the flaps remained operational, the slat issue meant the aircraft would require a higher-than-normal approach speed for landing.
The aircraft positioned for runway 18C and landed safely approximately 45 minutes after departure, carrying out the approach at increased speed in accordance with performance procedures.
A replacement E195-E2, registration PH-NXF, was dispatched and subsequently reached Belgrade with a delay of about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The occurrence aircraft was inspected and returned to service roughly four hours after landing back in Amsterdam.
Slats, mounted on the leading edge of the wing, extend during takeoff and landing to increase lift at lower speeds. A failure can alter landing performance calculations, often necessitating a faster approach and longer landing distance. In this case, the crew’s prompt decision to return ensured a controlled and precautionary outcome.
