Damage claims filed against Schiphol, airlines over long security lines

Organizations Claimingo and Reisrecht are officially filing damage claims against Schiphol and a number of airlines for delays passengers suffered in the May holiday due to long lines at the airport. The organizations are representing hundreds of passengers, lawyer Alexander Colenbrander of Claimingo said to the Telegraaf on Friday.

"We're going for double liability", Colenbrander said to the newspaper. "Waiting time is largely due to the airport's security checks. However, the airline, where you have to check in or hand in your suitcase, and the state, which has to do with passport control, can partly be blamed for the unreasonable delay because, for example, too few windows or tills were open during peaks."

According to Colenbrander, affected passengers can claim damages from all involved parties in principle. The parties can sort out who will pay between themselves, otherwise Claimingo and Reisrecht will turn to court, he said. 

Last week Schiphol, after consultation with State Secretary Sharon Dijksma of Infrastructure, announced a number of measures to avoid the recent chaos repeating during the summer holiday. During the summer period all security points in Departure Hall 1 will be open, and those in Departure Hall 2 will be opened if necessary. Additional security staff will also be deployed, as well as more staff to assist passengers.