Schiphol to remove dozens of broken clocks; only 30 will remain in key areas

Schiphol Airport will permanently remove the majority of its 87 large round clocks, many of which have been covered with gray sleeves for years due to rising maintenance costs. Only around 30 functioning clocks will return to key locations where knowing the time is considered essential, a spokesperson told NU.nl.

The airport first began covering clocks in 2012 as maintenance expenses increased. “It’s very complex to keep the clocks running,” the spokesperson said, noting that repairing them is not as simple as replacing a battery. “The clocks are wired into the ceilings. If one stops working, the entire ceiling must be opened to access the cabling.”

The clocks are located in Schiphol Plaza, the departure halls, and at various gates. Many passengers have noticed the gray covers over the years. “Covered clocks serve no purpose on an airport where travelers want to know the time,” the spokesperson told NU.nl. “Fixing or replacing them costs money.”

Schiphol has now opted to remove the covered clocks entirely in areas where timekeeping is not considered crucial. “In places where time is vital—such as transfer zones or at the gates—we’ll install working clocks again,” the spokesperson said. “In other locations, the clocks will be removed altogether. Covered clocks add nothing to the quality or travel experience we aim to provide.”