Schiphol's first half of 2026: record investment in quality, quieter aviation trend continues

• Schiphol invested 801 million euros in the quality of its airports. Never before has Schiphol invested so much in a six-month period.
• The increase in quieter aircraft at Schiphol continued: 38% of aircraft were of the two quietest aircraft types (compared with 29% in HY2025). Schiphol's tariff differentiation is largely responsible for this increase.
• The war in the Middle East led to a temporary decline in air traffic and affected the financial results. Schiphol provided airlines with a temporary discount on airport charges to help preserve international connectivity.
• Despite geopolitical uncertainty, demand for aviation and international connectivity remains strong. Royal Schiphol Group’s airports continued to meet that demand successfully.
• 37.3 million passengers travelled through Schiphol, Eindhoven Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (+0.3% vs. 2025). Of which 32.7 million via Schiphol.
• 250,788 flights connected the Netherlands with the world (-3% vs. 2025). Of these, 223,597 flights to and from Schiphol.
• Through Schiphol, the Netherlands was directly connected to 301 destinations worldwide, including 122 intercontinental destinations.
• Schiphol delivered a solid financial performance, with a positive underlying net result of 215 million euros. On the other hand, cash flow after CAPEX and other investments was 464 million euros negative.

Financial results: Schiphol invests in the future
The underlying net result (excluding the revaluation of commercial real estate) for the first half of 2026 amounted to a positive underlying result of 215 million euros (HY2025: 214 million euros). Revenue increased by 5.6% to 1,333 million euros (HY2025: 1,262 million euros). In the first six months of 2026, a record of 801 million euros was invested in the quality of the airports. This is in line with the strategy to invest 10 billion euros in the renewal of Schiphol between 2025 and 2035.

During the first half of 2026, investments were made in catching up on overdue maintenance, the completion of the A Pier and additional electricity capacity to support electrification. An important part of these investments is the agreement with KLM for the relocation of several buildings as part of the implementation of the Schiphol Centre Master Plan. In the first half of 2026, Schiphol paid 317 million euros for this relocation. With this important milestone, Schiphol is investing in the future of the airport.

Cash flow after CAPEX and other investments was 464 million euros negative. To deliver the major investment programme and quality improvements, robust financial results and a healthy operational cash flow are required, alongside additional funding. In March, Schiphol issued 500 million euros in bonds.

Fewer flights in the first half of the year
The first half of 2026 began with disruption caused by severe winter weather, leading to the cancellation of several thousand flights at Schiphol. This was followed by restrictions on air traffic linked to the war in the Middle East. A doubling of kerosene prices put pressure on airline networks, as well as on flight and passenger volumes to and from Schiphol. To help ensure the Netherlands remains connected, Schiphol introduced a temporary discount on airport charges. This targeted, temporary measure helped preserve routes and maintain Schiphol’s network, contributing to a recovery in air traffic during the second quarter. The discount had a temporary negative impact of 37 million euros on Schiphol’s financial results in the first half of the year.

More passengers per flight
The total number of passengers travelling through Royal Schiphol Group’s airports in the Netherlands increased slightly to 37.3 million (HY2025: 37.2 million). A total of 32.7 million passengers travelled to, from or via Schiphol. Although this represents a slight decrease (compared to 32.8 million in 2025), the average number of passengers per flight increased. This development confirms the expectation that passenger numbers will continue to grow, even with the same number of flight movements. Airlines are renewing their fleets and using larger and quieter aircraft. Schiphol expects passenger numbers to increase to at least 90 million passengers per year by 2050. 

The airport is therefore investing heavily in the renewal and improvement of its infrastructure, so that passengers can continue to travel comfortably, reliably and safely in the future. In addition, Royal Schiphol Group is investing between 35 and 40 million euros in preparing Lelystad Airport for the envisaged opening. Earlier this year, the Dutch government decided that the airport will open for commercial air traffic. We are preparing for passenger flights to commence in November 2027.
 

Travellers (in millions)

Increase in quieter aircraft at Schiphol 
The airport charges introduced by Schiphol in 2025 incentivise the use of quieter aircraft. The trend towards quieter flights continues: 38% of flights in the first half of 2026 fell within the two quietest charging categories, compared with 29% in the first half of 2025. The differentiated charging system also discourages the operation of noisier aircraft during the night. 

Measurements by NOMOS measurements points around Schiphol confirm the trend towards quieter flights. The average noise level generated by air traffic in 2025 was approximately 2 decibels lower than in 2018. The impact is also evident on a per-flight basis: newer aircraft types generate less noise during take-off and landing than the aircraft they replace. 

For European flights, a good example is the Airbus A320neo and A321neo, which are quieter than the Boeing 737 variants they replace. For intercontinental flights with larger aircraft, the newer Airbus A330neo, Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner have been measured as quieter than the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777. The mentioned newer aircraft types have been measured as 3 to 5 decibels quieter on departure than the older aircraft they replace. A reduction of 3 decibels represents a halving of the sound level. 


There were 223,597 air traffic movements at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. A 4% decrease compared to the first half year of 2025 (232,709 air traffic movements). Cargo volumes at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol increased by 10% to 0.8 million tonnes. There were 8,160 full cargo flights, an increase of 8% compared to 2025. In total, 42% of cargo was transported on passenger flights, while 58% was carried on full freighter flights.
 
 

Air traffic movements

Strong network keeps the Netherlands connected 
The Netherlands was connected to 301 direct destinations through Schiphol, including 122 intercontinental destinations. A strong network of connections is of great importance to the Netherlands’ international connectivity. During the first half of the year, new destinations were added, including destinations in Armenia, Montenegro and Vietnam. There were also changes to a number of European destinations, while some other destinations were discontinued. In recent months, Schiphol welcomed several new airlines that contribute to the further strengthening of the network: FlyOne Armenia, LATAM Airlines Brasil, Middle East Airlines, Syrian Air, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines. 

Important steps towards better quality of work 
In addition to investments in infrastructure, Schiphol also invested in the people who keep the airport running. Over recent months, Schiphol has taken important steps to improve the quality of work and working conditions. These steps also contribute to a reliable, resilient, efficient and future-proof service. Team Security, the airport’s new security organisation with three instead of five security companies, started in May. Schiphol also announced a new model for baggage and aircraft handling, reducing the number of handling companies from six to three. Schiphol also announced that it will take responsibility for providing assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. This service already forms an important part of Schiphol’s day-to-day operations and is expected to grow further in the coming years, underlining the importance of ensuring its continuity. 
 

Financials 

Underlying results

The full (press) release with all figures can be downloaded on the right side of this page.