02
April
2020
|
11:00
Europe/Amsterdam

2 April 2020 – Update: Schiphol closes piers and moves towards ‘Core Schiphol’

2 April 2020 – Update: Schiphol closes piers and moves towards ‘Core Schiphol’

Schiphol is to give further substance to its ‘Core Schiphol’ scenario by keeping only the D, E and F-Piers in service. The B-Pier is partially accessible for the gates where travellers are bussed to their flights. The other B-Pier gates, as well as the C, G and H/M-Piers, are now out of service and are being used to park aircraft. That way, Schiphol will reduce its operations even further and the airport will focus on appropriate activities during the worldwide crisis.

The airport has been offering a scaled-back version of its facilities to departing travellers for the past week. Check-ins are limited to Departures 2 and 3. Travellers to a Schengen-zone destination go through the temporary security area near Departures 1; other travellers go through the regular security area in Departures 2. Lounge 1 (for flights to and from Schengen destinations) and Lounge 2 (for all other flights) will remain open behind the security check areas. Lounge 3’s facilities and access points will be closed from today.

Miriam Hoekstra-van der Deen, Director of Airport Operations, said: “There were only around 5% of travellers and 10% of flight movements in recent days, when compared to the same period last year. Our operations have shrunk, but we always remain open. That way, people can get home and things like fruit, vegetables and medical supplies can get to their destinations”.

27 March 2020 – First step of reduced operations

A scaled-down version of Schiphol will remain open from today for departing travellers. Check-ins will be limited to Departures 2 and 3. Travellers who are heading to a Schengen destination will pass through the temporary security screening near Departures 1. Travellers to other destinations will pass through security screening at Departures 2. Lounges 1, 2 and 3, located after security and passport controls, will remain in use for now and all piers (except the H-Pier) are open.   

There was an almost 80% reduction in traveller numbers in recent days, as well as 75% less flight movements at Schiphol. Schiphol is now gradually working toward a small-scale operation. However, we will always remain open – for the remaining passenger flights that arrive and depart our airport, as well as for repatriation flights, freight traffic, emergency services and alternative aircraft. We will continue to closely monitor developments in the number of passenger and flight movements and adjust our operations to meet the situation. That means that we are looking at what is needed every day, in order to facilitate airlines and passengers. 

21 March 2020 – 'Core Schiphol' update

In the coming period, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will be working towards reduced operations. We will always remain open, both for passenger flights, which continue to arrive and depart, and for repatriations, cargo traffic, emergency services and diverted flights. We are closely monitoring developments in passenger numbers and flights and are adapting our operations to the situation. Every day, we will consider what is necessary to optimally support airlines and passengers. Based on the current state of affairs and predictions, we expect to transition to a 'Core Schiphol' sometime around the coming weekend.

18 March 2020 – Schiphol to remain open at a heavily reduced capacity

Schiphol, 18th March - Schiphol Airport will reduce its operations and focus on core activities that are appropriate given the crisis situation during the coming period. In practical terms, this means that Schiphol will remain open in a heavily reduced capacity for passenger flights that are still arriving and departing, as well as repatriation of Dutch citizens, freight traffic, emergency services and alternative aircraft. Schiphol’s services will remain predictable and reliable by reducing the overall size of its operations.

Schiphol is working to ensure that only the D and E-Pier will still be in use for passenger flights from Tuesday 24 March. The aircraft stands at the other piers are being used as temporary parking spaces for planes that will be grounded for a longer period of time. Check-in will then be limited to Departures 2 and part of Departures 3. After the security checks, Lounge 1 will be used for flights to Schengen countries and Lounge 2 for other flights.

We are reducing ourselves to 'core Schiphol'. That means that we will remain open for core activities, such as repatriation of Dutch people who are now abroad and want to return home; for cargo flights with medicines and medical devices, for instance; and for flights that will still take place. Our operational limitations also fit with the care of our people and our partners.
Dick Benschop, CEO Royal Schiphol Group

Sharp decrease in flights and traveller numbers

The number of travellers at Schiphol has now fallen by more than 60% and flight numbers are also sharply falling. Many flights that will be repatriating Dutch citizens from abroad are expected to land at Schiphol in the coming days. Further decreases in flight and passenger numbers will happen very quickly, based on global developments, travel warnings for all Dutch people, measures implemented at an EU level and other worldwide restrictions.

Advice to travellers

Travellers can find up-to-date information about the corona virus and Schiphol on a special Schiphol website that was made for this purpose. 

Schiphol recommends travellers keep an eye on the website of their airline and/or travel organisation for information about a specific flight or destination. We advise travellers to check the Dutch Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website for the most up-to-date travel advice by country.