The municipality of Amsterdam is not happy with the investments, which they see as growth plans. “This is not in line with the vision we have for Schiphol,” says councilor Hester van Buren.
Balance is lost
“Amsterdam represents a more compact airport, in all respects. For too long, growth and more passengers, more flights and more transhipment have been central. The balance is now lost.” The municipality is the major shareholder in the airport.
On the other side of the airport, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, the response is more positive. “A compact airport is an important policy principle for our municipality. We note with satisfaction that Schiphol is also primarily focusing on the development of Schiphol Center in its future plans.”
Bill for the traveler later?
With the plans, Schiphol hopes to be able to welcome larger aircraft. This means that the airport, on the one hand, complies with the maximum number of permitted flights, but can prepare for future growth in passengers.
Airlines such as KLM hope that all these investments will not end up on the account of the companies and travelers.
One of the most expensive airports in Europe
“Schiphol can only remain attractive if the airport manages to reduce costs for travelers and airlines.” The airport is currently one of the most expensive in Europe.
In addition to the modernization of Schiphol itself and investments abroad, the money must also be used to improve working conditions at the airport.
Luggage robots
This means, among other things, that more baggage robots will be added, underground systems will be expanded, and ground staff will be less exposed to unhealthy substances in the air.