A long line even continued outside the tents placed by Schiphol, causing rain to passengers who had to go through security. “If it’s up to me, this will be my very last time at Schiphol,” a traveler writes on Twitter with a video in which people stand in line while a huge rainstorm breaks out. “Shame to literally leave travelers in the cold and in the rain for security.” The footage shows travelers trying to hide under their arms, hoods or even their suitcases.
If he later still made his flight, he gives another tip for Schiphol visitors. “Be there four hours in advance. Then you still run after security to catch your flight.”
take off coat
On Sunday, extra passengers are expected due to the end of the long Ascension weekend. An airport spokesman said it is estimated that 190,000 passengers, about 10,000 more than Friday, will depart and arrive throughout the day.
In the departure halls are announced every so often that people have to take off their coats “well in advance” in order to make the situation at the security check as smooth as possible. Syrup waffles are also handed out to the waiting people.
Another tweeter speaks of ‘Schiphol theme park’ with photos of long queues. He also later said with relief that he had made the flight.
‘manageable’
It is still manageable, says a security guard. There are, however, peak moments, when an enormous flow of passengers accumulates and things get stuck. He saw this happen, for example, during an evening shift earlier this week. But the situation was quickly resolved, according to the man. A KLM employee confirms the picture of a busy, but manageable Sunday. “It runs smoothly,” she says.
“Schiphol: crowds manageable and especially expected with transfers and departure,” responds a Twitterer piqued. “Which idiot is speaking here for Schiphol. manageable!? Please also ask the passengers in line. Scandalous!”
CEO Dick Benschop stated in the TV program Buitenhof on Sunday that ‘quality is central’ at the airport. This comment has been met with derision in the travel industry because of four weeks of long lines and chaos at the national airport. “The quality is currently hard to find at Schiphol. Waiting passengers in the rain, it’s terrible!” says Frank Oostdam of the ANVR travel umbrella.
Staff shortage
It has been very busy at the airport lately. This is partly due to staff shortages in baggage handling and security. Passengers sometimes had to queue for hours, causing problems such as missing their flight. For example, one of the busiest moments on Thursday morning was around 5 a.m., when the line, according to a KLM employee, was all the way to the highway. She also reported that she had been verbally abused a few times. KLM has reduced the sale of tickets for flights from Schiphol until Sunday due to the large crowds.