Amsterdam Schiphol’s passenger cap could continue for months.
The airport’s problems first emerged in May 2022 and the cap is scheduled to remain until the end of March.
Now De Telegraaf [NL] reports that these limitations are likely to persist throughout the summer months unless a solution can be found within the next few weeks.
Schiphol continues to face staff shortages for baggage handling and security.
It means fewer flights can be handled. It could mean delays to flights.
The latter does not sit well with Schiphol’s home airline KLM for whom, as a sixth-freedom operator, punctuality is vital.
Missed connections impact on KLM’s network let alone the cost of KLM having to accommodate those who have missed their flights.
A Schiphol spokesperson told De Telegraaf, “There are hundreds of vacancies in baggage handling. If the airlines and handling companies do not solve this, they will only be allowed to take fewer passengers.”
What about security staffing?
“There is stalemate. Security guards can earn around Euros 17 an hour whereas here [Schiphol] it’s Euros 12. That’s why people leave,” said the Schiphol spokesperson.
As for the baggage handling one firm has come up with a solution. But it’s one which would, I think, not sit well with travellers.
Schiphol passengers could pay €3 suitcase fee to help attract staff, baggage companies say https://t.co/x8VakioBRO
— NL Times (@NL_Times) February 5, 2023
On Sunday NL Times quoted an executive of one firm suggesting passengers pay a Euros 3 baggage handling fee. [This fee would be additional to airline fees]
The money raised would enable these firms to pay staff higher wages.
Business Traveller will keep readers updated
