Schiphol pushing 10 billion into accommodating expected 25% rise in travellers
Schiphol Airport expects the number of passengers traveling through the airport to increase by 25 percent in the next decade. Schiphol is investing a staggering 10 billion euros into adapting the airport to accommodate the increase, Sybren Hahn, infrastructure director at Schiphol, told the Telegraaf.
“Passenger numbers at Schiphol are expected to grow by 25 percent in the next ten years, despite restrictions on aircraft movements. Airlines like KLM will therefore arrive at Schiphol with larger aircraft. This means we need more space,” Hahn said.
Recently, the area behind the security checkpoint in the “Schengen area” was renovated to increase the space by a quarter, totalling 5,000 square meters. Ground will soon be broken for a new baggage basement, Piers C and D will be renovated, and Pier A is scheduled to open in 2027 after years of delays due to construction errors.
There’s a lot of work to do. “We have a huge challenge ahead of us, and we’ll be struggling with the space for ten years,” Hahn said. “Travelers want clean restrooms and good coffee. This, along with light and space, will bring the passenger experience up to date, along with a quick transfer at our hub.”
Schiphol intends to stick to the “one terminal” concept. That will mean a long walk for travelers heading to the new Pier A, but Hahn thinks the airport can make it work. “The concept of everything under one roof is unique and is our strength. We are at our core a transfer airport, a hub. To ensure that it runs optimally, also in the future, we are looking at how we can most efficiently organize the piers and baggage flows. Aircraft with many transfers are grouped together,” Hahn said.
