In principle, the army is not used for tasks that could also be performed by ordinary companies, says the Ministry of Defense. “Only when all those commercial options have been exhausted and there is a question of a vital interest in society, will Defense consider what is possible.” It is also questionable whether the necessary equipment and manpower are available. “Certainly because Defense itself also struggles with vacancies.”
ANVR director Frank Oostdam argued against RTL Nieuws that the cabinet should consider temporarily deploying the armed forces “to get through this period.” The airport is struggling with major staff shortages, which means that security and baggage handling in particular are coming to a standstill. The consequence for the traveler is that there are delays or flights are cancelled.
Oostdam himself later acknowledged that the army cannot simply be deployed, but according to him more must be done to solve the problems. “Think about bonuses for employees who want to work temporarily. Everything to make the crowds manageable.” Oostdam has no illusions and does not think that the problems will be solved before the summer. This is also due to the greater than expected holiday crowds at travel organizations. For example, the number of bookings for holidays in the Mediterranean is now higher than in peak year 2019.
It is especially important for the ANVR that travel organizations can earn money again after two years of “dull misery” due to the corona crisis. Oostdam is also surprised by the rapid recovery. According to him, this is also due to the vouchers distributed earlier that are now being used.
Member of Parliament Van Haga says that Schiphol airport “which is of national importance to our country, is being driven to the ratsmodee by mismanagement.” Defense could lend ‘hands’ to solve the problems and prevent economic damage. Economic considerations will be part of the “vital social interest” that the security region must analyze before requesting support, the Ministry of Defense said.