Hi there,
We have flights out from NCL -> AMS and AMS -> BUD on Friday 8th March (arrive in BUD at 15:30pm), and just today had the email saying the AMS->BUD has been cancelled.
KLM has put us on the next flight (Arrive at BUD at 23:00pm) which is far too late for appointments we have booked.

From looking at alternatives, I've found if we fly from MCR->BUD direct we can arrive at 13:00pm, however this is with Ryanair.

When I've called KLM, they gave an excuse of "not been interlinked partners with Ryanair" so they cannot transfer the outbound flight.
They can get us out on Thur 7th but one of our party can only make it on the 8th.
Is this correct? From reading EU261 I had the impression we have the right to get any flight to ensure we arrive ASAP at our destination?

Welcome to Flyertalk. Let me move this thread to our KLM forum.

chgoeditor
co-mod, Info Desk

KLM will not rebook to Ryanair or pay for your FR ticket from a different airport (I assume you mean MAN/Manchester). There is no obligation to rebook you from MAN. Ask KLM for a refund and book with FR on your own.

Most likely the FR ticket is cheaper than the KLM ticket you bought. March is not high season for Budapest so fares should be quite reasonable.

Absolutely that. A month in advance, FR must be cheaper than KL, even base fare KL.

yeah, 1 month out is perfect timing of buying FR tickets. For low season FR fares will be at their lowest 2-4 weeks out.