An unusual and striking sight was recorded in the skies over the Netherlands on Monday, as two F-35 fighter jets from the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force escorted a KLM passenger plane carrying Dutch athletes home from the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics.
KLM shared a post on its Facebook page under the headline, “Blue brings Orange home,” a play on the airline’s blue branding and the orange associated with the Dutch flag and national teams.
The airline said the Winter Games had come to an end and described the event as "weeks of hard work, perseverance, and unforgettable moments on the world stage” for the Dutch team. The company added that it had the privilege of flying its group of athletes home, and that "Every single one of them gave their all, and as a Dutch airline, we could not be prouder", the company wrote.
The festive escort followed a record-breaking performance by the Orange squad, which finished third in the overall medal table. The delegation returned with a historic haul of 20 medals, including 10 golds, establishing the Netherlands as Europe’s leading winter sports power.
To make the homecoming even more memorable, KLM said "two F-35s of the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force joined us in the air. Now that's a welcome home", the airline wrote.
The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force also marked the occasion in its own post: “They wore orange, waved the red, white and blue flag and fought like lions. After weeks of focus, pressure and a historic achievement for Team Netherlands, they returned to Dutch soil. Receive our salute and a warm welcome from the skies. Welcome home, heroes. We are incredibly proud of you.”