The arrangement applies to those who were unable to make their flight in the period from 23 April to 11 August due to the long lines at Schiphol. In addition, the airport only reimburses costs that were not reimbursed in any other way, for example by an airline or travel insurance.
These costs include, for example, extra costs for rebooking a flight or the costs for a new plane ticket, but also, for example, travel costs if people decided to go to their destination by car or train. In addition, for example, costs for an accommodation that was not used, but could not be canceled either, can be recovered from the airport.
Travelers whose flight has been canceled are already compensated by the airline according to European rules. Schiphol did not want to compensate any consequential damage for these travelers because the reason for cancellation is often unclear, the Consumers’ Association indicates.
‘Mass claim turns out not to be necessary’
Nevertheless, the association is not dissatisfied. “We first thought of a mass claim, but that turned out not to be necessary. Initially, Schiphol held off completely, but now we have been able to make agreements. We are pleased that an arrangement has been made for many consumers,” said a spokeswoman for the Consumers’ Association.
Schiphol will handle the arrangement itself. The Consumers’ Association and Omroep Max will evaluate it afterwards. “But if people are wrongly rejected, those signals will reach us sooner and we can start a conversation.”
The scheme will now run until August 11. If problems still arise after that, the Consumers’ Association will again consult with Schiphol. The airport itself could not immediately respond substantively. The estimated costs of the agreements for Schiphol are therefore not immediately clear.