DUTCH AIRPORT NO TREAT: Schiphol shortages force summer flight cuts

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is reigning in flight departures over its busy summer period because shortages of security staff mean it cannot cope with the high demand as many families take to the skies for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic has eased.

The decision is likely to affect the vacation plans of thousands of travellers each day, Dick Benschop, the CEO of the Netherlands’ busiest airport said, adding, “It is not responsible to go into the summer hoping for the best. We are responsible for our passengers and staff and for their security and health.”

The airport, also one of Europe’s busiest, saw lengthy delays and flight cancellations during school vacations last month, but did not say how many flights a day it would have to cancel, however, from July 7 until the end of the month, there are about 13,500 seats per day above the capacity that the airport’s security staff can handle.

Airport officials note that some of the seats have not yet been sold and passengers may also be able to depart from different airports.

“It is, of course, frustrating,” CEO Dick Benschop told reporters. “Frustrating for the people concerned, families who have looked forward (to travelling); frustrating for airlines, the first real summer after COVID; frustrating for travel organizations and frustrating for us.”

Schiphol is not the only European airport struggling to cope with staff shortages and skyrocketing demand for flights after two pandemic-hit years. Travellers in Britain suffered days of airport delays during the Easter school holidays, with British Airways and easyJet canceling hundreds of flights because of coronavirus-related staff absences. Hours-long lines built up at British airport check-in, security, and baggage points.

Canadian airports have experienced similar delays and public consternation in recent weeks.

Benschop said Schiphol had no choice but to act now, though a decision on August flights will be taken later.

Wait times

Meanwhile Schiphol has launched a trial with additional screens around the terminal building that indicate the actual waiting times to Security Control (banner photo). The screens are part of Schiphol’s ‘Summer 2022 Action Plan,’ which – among other things – includes measures to improve the information provision for passengers.

Initially, the screens will be placed in Departure Hall 1, after which they will be rolled out to other locations throughout the terminal building. The screens will offer information in addition to that displayed on the regular screens near Security Control, which Schiphol has already been using to inform passengers about actual waiting times. The new screens will ensure that passengers further down the queue for departure will also be aware of actual waiting times.

“Not knowing how long you need to queue for and the fear of missing your flight are among the most irritating unpredictabilities for air passengers,” says Patricia Vitalis, Director Airport Operations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. “Naturally, this is also the subject of the most frequently asked questions. The aim of these screens is to put passengers’ minds at rest while they queue.”