Passenger number cap introduced at Amsterdam's Schipol as delays mount.

Amsterdam's Schipol Airport has introduced more flight restrictions as delays and disruption continue to mount at the international hub. Royal Schiphol Group NV has instigated an 18% reduction in passenger numbers per day, at least until October as it struggles to cope with demand. On average the airport will reduce passenger numbers by just over nine thousand each day. The maximum number will be 54,500 per day in September and 57,000 per day in October.

Like many airports in recent months, Schipol has found it difficult to recruit enough staff for various functions, in particular, security offices which is the cause of the latest cap on passenger numbers.  The news comes just a day after it was confirmed that chief executive Dick Benschop had resigned over the airport's poor performance over the last week or so. 

"This decision first and foremost is bad news for passengers and for airlines," says COO Hanne Buis of Royal Schiphol Group. "I am fully aware of that. Nevertheless, the decision taken is necessary with the safety of passengers and employees in mind. Everyone who works at Schiphol doing their utmost to ensure that each and every passenger journey is as pleasant as possible. I appreciate that. I am incredibly proud of that.” 

The airport's main customer, KLM issued a statement on the issue. 'Schiphol has again announced that it will be introducing further restrictions on the number of departing passengers until October 31. It’s disappointing to ascertain that Schiphol will again be adopting these measures at such short notice. The measures will have far-reaching consequences for our passengers, colleagues and the national and international reputation of Schiphol and therefore KLM.

KLM is currently assessing what the consequences of the new restrictions will be. Expectations are that there will be more clarity about this within a number of days. KLM will make every effort to ensure that passengers who have already booked tickets will in fact be able to travel. Passengers who would rather travel at a later date as a consequence of this situation will be able to rebook their flights at no extra cost.

We expect the situation at the airport to be resolved swiftly and effectively so that passengers and airlines know what they’re going to have to contend with – also in the longer term.'

Photo by Aron Marinelli on Unsplash

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The maximum passenger capacity will be 54,500 per day in September and 57,000 per day in October.