Dick Benschop is stepping down as Schiphol CEO, the airport reports in a statement. Benschop made his position available on Wednesday evening at the supervisory board, which accepted his resignation. The 64-year-old former politician does not want to hinder the discussion about the problems at Schiphol by the “attention to his person”. He will remain in office until he has a designated successor and Schiphol can make the necessary ‘new start’.
Benschop’s decision follows a period in which he could hardly sit back. Two years after he took office as CEO, the corona pandemic began, which curbed international air traffic. More recently, the problems with the persistent crowds at Schiphol, which led to long queues and missed flights due to staff shortages. This week it was still so busy at the airport that people missed their flights.
The problems at Schiphol are “dear to Benschop”, he writes. The company is struggling, among other things, with a major shortage of security guards, and the working conditions for baggage employees leave a lot to be desired, the NOS and NOS reported. news hour after own investigation. During his history studies Benschop also worked as a luggage porter. “I did my very best, but we’re not there yet,” he says. “Managing this company was a great honor.”
Also read this profile of Benschop, written after he took office: New Schiphol CEO must balance climate and jobs