EU inspection finds serious security gaps at Schiphol Airport
Schiphol Airport’s security has been found lacking, according to a recent inspection by the European Commission. The evaluation, conducted over several days last week, reportedly identified multiple shortcomings, including one classified as serious.
Inspectors tested compliance with laws and regulations governing passenger and baggage screening. The checks included random tests to see whether items such as knives or simulated explosives could bypass security.
Philip van Noort, Schiphol’s security director, acknowledged the findings in an internal email viewed by De Telegraaf. He confirmed that the airport must now develop a corrective plan. “For an airport of Schiphol’s stature, such deficiencies are rare,” he wrote.
Two private security firms failed in parts of the inspection, which is a standard procedure conducted every few years. “A small item like a nail file or hair spray being missed is not a problem,” a security advisor to De Telegraaf. “The concern is if a weapon or other dangerous object goes undetected. For Schiphol, even the suggestion of a plan to fix issues is not ideal publicity, especially given the high safety standards required by countries such as the United States.”
KLM, which participated in the inspection alongside Delta Airlines, referred questions to the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV). The NCTV declined to comment on inspection results.
A Schiphol spokesperson said the airport “sets high safety standards and works daily to ensure the security of passengers and staff,” but declined to comment directly on how the EC findings will affect the re-tendering process.
