On Sunday around 04.15 am there is a continuous flow of travelers towards departure hall 1 & 2. They come from outside, but also via the escalators from the direction of the parking garage. Despite the long lines, things go fairly smoothly at the check-in counters, after which travelers arrive in a long line of people towards customs.
Schiphol employees said earlier that they were taking into account a hectic night from Saturday to Sunday. “I think it will be busier than Saturday morning, and then it was extreme,” said an anonymous employee earlier, who showed videos of that morning crowds with long lines and full escalators.
At the check-in counters, the mood among passengers is quite boisterous. Many people check the labels on the suitcases and bags to get through quickly. There are no real congestion, a large number of Schiphol employees direct the passengers. Travelers are startled, however, and point to the floor above them, where the long trail of people is making slow progress.
Schiphol employees also note that the passengers are calmly experiencing the crowds. “I haven’t had any scolding travelers today. That has been different lately. People are frustrated, they sometimes don’t express that well,” said a Schiphol employee.
Structural staff shortage
Schiphol has been struggling for weeks with a structural staff shortage in, among other things, security and handlers. Passengers often had to queue for hours and on Sunday too, according to employees, it seems that the ‘turnaround time’ will be long.
It is quiet in the arrival halls. Few flights are coming in.
The airport is now working on solutions to the problems. Last Wednesday, Schiphol, together with the trade unions, already presented a package of measures to combat staff shortages. Since Friday, the rule applies that travelers can only enter the departure hall if their flight leaves within four hours. ‘Entry only 4 hours before your flight. Access only 4 hours before your flight. Thank you’, many signs read.