Concerns about crowding at Schiphol Airport today as school holidays begin
Schools in the Netherlands close for summer vacation today, kicking off the busiest time of the year for Schiphol Airport. The airport warns that Friday will be a “busy day,” with lines at security and passport control. Insiders told the Telegraaf that bigger issues are looming due to understaffing in security.
According to the newspaper, Schiphol Airport is struggling with an absenteeism rate of around 15 percent among security staff. As a result, not all checkpoints are open, leading to longer wait times for travelers.
Following a recent tender, approximately 2,000 security guards were assigned to new employers. According to the trade union CNV, security workers are under a lot of strain. Changes in the work environment always cause pressure, and the new employee rosters are still not in order, CNV board member André Quist told Hart van Nederland.
“There are still not enough people in security because of high absenteeism. But this subsequently leads to even more absenteeism,” Quist said. “The employees who are there are running on fumes. The security companies are in a negative spiral.”
Schiphol expects around 12.7 million travelers this summer, slightly more than last year. The airport told the Telegraaf that it was looking forward to the busy period with confidence, expecting that security would ensure a smooth flow of travellers.
