Schiphol to build temporary departure hall to create extra space for Schengen passengers
On 17 October, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will begin preparations for the construction of a temporary departure hall. The hall is Schiphol’s response to the recent strong growth in the number of Schengen passengers. By expanding check-in and security capacity, Schiphol will be able to continue to offer a high level of service to passengers and airlines over the next three years. Approximately 2 million passengers are expected to use the hall each year.
The temporary facility will be constructed on top of the South Baggage Hall, south of Departure Hall 1, with a corridor connecting it directly to Departure Hall 1. The temporary hall will accommodate the departure process for passengers travelling to destinations in the Schengen area. Spanning around 3,800 m2, it will have approximately 20 check-in desks, five security lanes, self-service check-in kiosks, toilet facilities and seating. Completion is scheduled for the May holiday of 2017. Construction work will take place mainly outside the current passenger areas, using modular, reusable materials to the greatest extent possible.
The departure hall is expected to remain in place until the end of 2019. As part of the airport's long-term capacity growth, Schiphol has already decided to build a new pier and terminal (to be completed at the end of 2019 and 2023, respectively) and additional parking facilities and to renovate and expand the train and bus station (in cooperation with various partners).