[Report] Europe's 'Hub'... The Reason Schiphol Airport Is Bustling

"5.18 Million Air Passengers in July... 77% Recovery Compared to 2019"
"Attracting Travelers' Attention by Showcasing Unique Dutch Culture"
Issues Following COVID-19 Recovery... "Staff Shortages Lead to Longer Wait Times"

A view of Schiphol Airport at Amsterdam Airport in the Netherlands. Photo by Hyunseok Yoo

[Netherlands (Amsterdam) = Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Schiphol Airport, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is one of the fastest airports in Europe to return to normalcy after COVID-19. This success is attributed to its design favoring transit passengers and its aggressive passenger acquisition strategy that capitalized on the timing of quarantine easing.

On the 20th (local time), Schiphol Airport was bustling with numerous people. The scene was reminiscent of Incheon International Airport before the COVID-19 outbreak. Europe is currently recovering and returning to normal after COVID-19. It was rare to see people wearing masks on the streets. Among many European airports, Schiphol Airport is recovering overwhelmingly fast.

According to the Airports Council International (ACI), Schiphol Airport's direct connectivity has risen to about 90% compared to 2019. This is faster than regional airports such as Frankfurt (79%) and Paris (82%). As of July, the number of air passengers reached 5.18 million, recovering to 77% of the same month in 2019. In contrast, Incheon Airport recorded 1.74 million passengers during the same period, only 27.9% of the 2019 figure. Aggressive marketing efforts in collaboration with airlines, the Netherlands Tourism Board, and the Netherlands Investment Promotion Network to attract transit and Dutch visit demand also positively influenced the increase in demand.

An official from Incheon International Airport Corporation, who visited Schiphol Airport together, said, "Schiphol Airport successfully restored its network aggressively, centered on the national carrier KLM and low-cost carriers (LCCs), leveraging positive movements such as quarantine easing. Due to differences in quarantine and isolation standards between the two countries, Incheon Airport also expects a similar level of recovery as Schiphol by exempting entry PCR tests."

Inside the tulip shop at Schiphol Airport. Photo by Yoo Hyun-seok

The rapid recovery of Schiphol Airport was also influenced by its unique characteristics. Unlike other hub airports, it consists of a single terminal divided into three departure halls. This allows passengers to reduce time spent moving between terminals during transfers. According to a Schiphol Airport official, the minimum transfer time for transit passengers is 45 minutes, the shortest in Europe.

Another noticeable feature inside the airport was its culture. Schiphol Airport operates convenience facilities using various Dutch-themed contents such as tulips, Miffy characters, and Heineken beer. Based on this, it is expected to promote tourism and enhance the national brand to passengers visiting the airport. In fact, one store actively sold tulips as fresh flowers, promoting domestic tourism products. Additionally, a museum was set up near the passenger waiting area to allow transit passengers to experience Dutch culture, along with various cultural facilities.

Another feature is the quick access to other public transportation. Especially the railway is directly connected to the arrival floor. It takes only 3 minutes to get from the airport arrival floor to the train. The train connects to major Dutch hub cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, and The Hague, making it convenient for users. The airport is also growing as an eco-friendly airport by actively utilizing eco-friendly transportation such as buses and taxis.

Passengers waiting to receive their flight tickets. Photo by Yoo Hyun-seok

However, there are considerable side effects caused by the rapid recovery of passenger demand. Currently, Schiphol Airport is experiencing several congestion issues due to a shortage of personnel such as security screening staff. At the ticketing counters, passengers were lining up 2 to 3 hours before ticket issuance started. Some security screening lanes were not operating at all. The shortage of personnel was clearly noticeable. Even inside the secured area, some stores were closed.

A passenger waiting to travel from Amsterdam to Malaga, Spain, said, "Since COVID-19, the shortage of security screening staff at Schiphol Airport has increased the usual 2-hour process to about 4 hours," but added, "I understand the airport situation is gradually improving recently."

Vica, the Customer Experience Team Leader at Schiphol Airport, said, "Complaints increased in July and August due to the rise in air passenger usage during the summer vacation season. We limited the number of passengers using the airport after July, and the number has been decreasing since last month."

Schiphol Airport also stated that it is making efforts to resolve congestion caused by staff shortages. Kiel, a director at Schiphol Airport, explained, "We are focusing most on security and trying to restore personnel there. Since we cannot hire staff immediately, we are solving the problem through various methods such as reducing the number of passengers."