Schiphol Departure Lounge 2: ‘Discover seven different worlds’

Departure Lounge 2 is opening at Schiphol. The unveiling of the completely renovated departure lounge at the heart of the terminal heralds a new age of passenger comfort. With the new lounge, Schiphol seeks to accommodate passengers’ changing needs and wishes. It is adapted to the human scale – not just for adult passengers, but also for children. It touches and surprises visitors: Departure Lounge 2 makes you smile.

Experience worlds beyond Passport Control

Departure Lounge 2 was renovated as part of the Master Plan, a comprehensive project to improve the airport’s quality by increasing capacity and enhancing efficiency and comfort for passengers. Schiphol’s Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer André van den Berg relates, ‘To mark Schiphol’s 100th anniversary, we are presenting our passengers with a marvellous gift: a departure lounge unlike any other in the world, where passengers can explore not just one, but seven different worlds.’

Departure Lounge 2 has been divided into seven thematic worlds where the passenger takes centre stage. Each world offers a distinctive experience, from ‘Luxury’ to ‘Family’ and from ‘Modern Dutch’ to ‘Care & Wellness’. The interior was designed by Kossman.De Jong, while Benthem Crouwel NACO is responsible for the architectural design. The central plaza features a large ‘live’ clock designed by Maarten Baas, with a uniformed attendant continually making sure the clock‘s hands show the right time. Real-life trees, rooted in the lounge‘s floor, give it the feel of an outdoor courtyard. The Family World is home to a large, colourful toy aircraft, where children can imagine themselves as actual pilots.

Van den Berg explains, ‘Working with our partners, we have been able to create a unique experience in a limited space. This departure lounge truly puts the passenger centre stage. It's a place to start or continue your journey with a smile on your face, and I'm very proud of it.’

Upon entering the space, departing passengers can survey the seven worlds in a single glance. Each theme world has been constructed using custom materials and has its own design, as well as tailored amenities such as seating areas, stores, restaurants and cafés. The worlds’ interiors have been designed using sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood and ledlighting created by Philips in association with ENGIE Services..

Europe’s Preferred Airport

The renovation of Departure Lounge 2 took slightly over 18 months to complete. Work was carried out in phases and at night where possible to enable the departure lounge to remain open for business. Shops continued to operate at smaller, temporary locations, and passengers could also visit the facilities in Departure Lounge 3. It is Schiphol Group‘s ambition to develop Amsterdam Airport Schiphol as Europe's Preferred Airport for travellers, airlines and logistics service providers alike. Each year, almost 15 million people visit Departure Lounge 2. Over half (61%) are transfer passengers; the rest start their journey at Schiphol. The renovation adds around 20% more space for retail and catering outlets, bringing the total floor area of the first and second levels of Departure Lounge 2 to around 16,000 square metres.

Food, shops and services in Departure Lounge 2

The opening of the trendsetting Johnnie Walker House at Schiphol is a first in Europe. Other brand shops include Gucci, Bulgari, Hermès and Rolex. Those looking for something to eat or drink will find plenty to tempt their taste buds, with a Café Cocó, a Starbucks offering innovative food concepts and the Heineken Bar. Travellers can also recharge and relax before departure at XpresSpa.

Departure Lounge 2 will be officially opened on Friday, 1 July 2016.

For more information and photos, visit www.schiphol.nl/perslounge2