In the near future, Schiphol will be in consultation with the airlines to cancel flights before the summer. If the airport fails to recruit enough staff, fewer flights will be able to be handled. Schiphol director Dick Benschop announced this today, after he had gone through the dust for the chaos that arose during the May holiday.
Until now, it has been far too busy at Schiphol every day of the May holiday. The chaos started on the first day, when 150 KLM baggage workers came unannounced strike† The terminals were overflowing with passengers and many flights were delayed or cancelled.
Not only the strike was to blame for the large crowds; Schiphol has made a wrong estimate with regard to the number of passengers and sick reports among staff.
Schiphol director Dick Benschop explains what went wrong. The article continues below the video.
Schiphol director Benschop on what went wrong – NH Nieuws / Doron Sajet
The May holiday is not over yet. This weekend Schiphol again expects many long lines, delays and will call on the airports of Rotterdam and Eindhoven to take over flights.
Cancel flights
Benschop wants to prevent such chaos from arising this summer. According to the CEO, the airport is already busy recruiting new security personnel and promises better working conditions. However, this will not prevent Schiphol from having to cancel flights again.
Benschop will adjust the number of flights to the number of available employees. Article continues below the video.
Schiphol director Benschop about the measures for the summer – NH Nieuws / Doron Sajet
Schiphol expects to know about seven weeks before the summer holidays whether the flight schedule will have to be stripped. The airlines will ultimately have to decide whether they agree. We are also looking to limit the number of trips that can still be booked.
Anyone affected by the measure will be able to file a claim with the airline. Benschop has already promised to financially compensate the companies.