Schiphol selects KLM, dnata and Viggo as sole ground handlers for next seven years

Schiphol Airport has selected KLM, dnata, and Viggo as its three ground handling companies for the next seven years. The decision reduces the number of providers from six to three. The change is part of a broader effort by Schiphol to consolidate control over airport services. It also comes after a directive from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to halve the number of ground handling companies. Ground handling includes core functions such as loading and unloading baggage.

Schiphol said the three selected companies scored highest in a public tender. Until now, six companies were active in these roles. Aviapartner, Swissport, and Menzies will lose their contracts.

The airport said employees of the outgoing firms must be offered positions by one of the winning companies. It emphasized that no jobs will be lost at Schiphol. “The transition period of a tender is exciting and intensive for employees who will receive a new employer. The airport, the union and ground handling companies are giving this a lot of attention. With this tender, no jobs are lost at Schiphol,” Schiphol said.

Schiphol expects contracts between airlines and the selected handlers to be finalized by the end of this year. Operations under the new structure are expected to begin in the second quarter of next year. Airlines will still be allowed to use their own staff for “under-the-wing” work, but those employees cannot be used for other airlines’ aircraft.

The airport has been steadily reducing the number of service providers to strengthen operational control. Last year, it cut cleaning companies from four to three. Last month, it reduced security contractors from five to three.

KLM welcomed the licensing model. “With a license, we maintain control over our activities at Schiphol. It enables us to develop and carry out our ground handling activities in the way we want,” the airline said.

dnata, a subsidiary of Emirates, said it is proud to continue operating at Schiphol. The company employs more than 1,200 workers and supports more than 20 passenger and cargo airlines.

The labor union FNV called the consolidation a “historical step.” It said reduced competition among handlers could lower workload pressure and improve stability on the ground.

At the same time, FNV warned the transition creates uncertainty for employees at Aviapartner, Swissport, and Menzies. “Companies have been fighting each other for years, and workers were the victims. Competition drove price pressure, which led to high workload and a lot of uncertainty,” the union said.

FNV said Schiphol expects the tender decision to become final in the third quarter of this year, followed by a transition period. Airlines and handlers are expected to complete contracting by the end of the year, with employees receiving clarity early next year.