Newsroom Schiphol

Second Balanced Approach evaluation shows that Schiphol is becoming quieter

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:10:49 +0200

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has shared the second interim evaluation results of the Balanced Approach in a letter to Parliament. These preliminary results show that the measures implemented under the Balanced Approach are working. Schiphol is becoming measurably quieter, and noise disturbance around the airport is declining on several fronts. The night-time results are particularly striking, which is positive news for local residents.

In particular, the measure under which noisier aircraft pay comparatively higher airport charges than quieter aircraft has proven to be far more effective than the ministry originally estimated. One area that still requires attention is the target for the number of noise-affected homes close to the airport. The ministry and KLM are continuing to engage in constructive discussions on this topic.

The Balanced Approach consists of a combination of measures aimed at reducing noise nuisance. These include increasing the share of quieter aircraft and imposing higher charges on noisier aircraft through noise-differentiated airport charges. The latest evaluation results show that this tariff differentiation is having a much greater impact than originally thought. Approximately 40% of aircraft operating at Schiphol now belong to the newest and quietest generations.

Three of the four interim results are now exceeding the 15% target:

17% reduction in the number of severely affected local residents (target: 15%)
14% reduction in the number of homes within the 58 Lden contour (target: 15%)
29.8% reduction in the number of local residents experiencing sleep disturbance (target: 15%)
35% reduction in the number of homes within the 48 Lnight contour (target: 15%)

The final percentages are currently expected to be published in December of this year.

Security wait times

Tue, 19 May 2026 13:57:12 +0200

Security wait times at Schiphol are longer than usual today, 18 May 2026. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this is causing passengers and airlines. Today we transitioned to a new security organisation at Schiphol, and unfortunately we have experienced issues in that process. We advise passengers to arrive at the airport in good time: two hours before departure for Schengen flights and three hours for non‑Schengen flights. This allows sufficient time for check‑in and security screening. The latest information is available via our website, the Schiphol app and the airlines.

We have had a difficult start to the new security organisation due to a combination of factors, particularly unexpected staff shortages among security officers and IT issues this morning that continue to affect operations throughout the day. We expect that passengers may unfortunately still experience longer queues than usual for the rest of the day. We have deployed additional office staff and are distributing water to passengers.

We recognise that this is also an intensive period for security staff. Schiphol is required to run European tenders, and we understand this creates uncertainty. The transition from five to three security companies places significant demands on staff and brings substantial changes. We are seeing higher-than-expected levels of sickness absence. We take this seriously and are in continuous dialogue with the security companies and trade unions.

In total, around 1.400 flights operated to and from Schiphol today, and approximately 68.000 passengers departed from the airport.

Schiphol appeals after Extinction Rebellion injunction

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:52:12 +0200

Schiphol is appealing against the court's ruling in the preliminary relief proceedings against the Vrienden van XR (Friends of XR) foundation. This case focuses on the access bans imposed earlier this year for unauthorised entry into the secure area of the airport.

For Schiphol, the safety of passengers and employees is paramount. Demonstrations are permitted, and there are designated locations for them at the airport. However, public action in the restricted access and secure area is not only disruptive to operations, but also plain dangerous.

The risk goes beyond inconvenience or delays. Unauthorised public action provides opportunities for abuse by ill-intentioned individuals. That is precisely why airports worldwide, including Schiphol, must follow the strictest international security rules and procedures.

With this appeal, Schiphol wishes to emphasise the necessity of strictly monitoring restricted access to the secure area. Only individuals with a valid reason (travel or work) may be granted access. In addition, Schiphol wishes to make it clear that sanctions may be imposed on anyone who gains unauthorised access or attempts to do so, precisely in order to guarantee safety at the airport.

Only in this way can we fulfil our responsibility, which is to ensure a safe and well-functioning airport, where the safety of passengers, employees and flight operations is never compromised.

Reporting by De Telegraaf is incorrect and misleading

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:32:17 +0200

Claims made in De Telegraaf’s article about security at Schiphol are suggestive, misleading and inaccurate. The strong operational performance and short waiting times at security checkpoints over recent summers are proof that Schiphol has turned the tide, offering travellers a reliable and smooth airport experience. 95% of departing passengers passed through security within ten minutes. Meanwhile, Schiphol is working on a fundamental and ongoing improvement of its security organisation to ensure travellers continue to enjoy a safe and pleasant start to their journey in the years ahead.

The airport is aware of the challenges involved in transitioning to new security companies, including the necessary screening of staff. Schiphol is actively preparing for all possible scenarios and is in dialogue with the relevant parties to ensure operational continuity is maintained.

Schiphol has selected three security companies for its new approach to security, which places quality, collaboration and staff at the centre. This will give the airport greater control over execution, a more stable operation, and a structural improvement in working conditions for security staff.

The tender process has been carried out with care, and the planning and preparation for the May and summer holidays in 2026 have taken potential legal proceedings into account. Passengers can rest assured that the tender will not affect the smooth running of the upcoming May and summer holiday periods.

Schiphol to appeal nature permit ruling

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:35:41 +0200

The court's ruling shows that Schiphol, for the most part, submitted the request correctly and properly identified the existing rights and impacts of aviation.

However, the nature permit falls short on the additionality requirement. This is a requirement that was tightened on 18 December 2024, after Schiphol was granted the nature permit. We are consulting with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) on this ruling. Additionality requires a nationwide solution from the government.

Based on this ruling, we are going to amend the nature permit application. At the same time, we will appeal. The ruling will not affect the number of flights to and from Schiphol in the short term.

Response from Schiphol to Government Decision – December 6, 2024

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:35:30 +0100

Schiphol aims to maintain a good balance between the airport and its surrounding environment. We support the government in this effort. Reducing noise pollution and strengthening the legal protection of local residents are key priorities in this regard. The legal safeguarding of these aspects in a new Airport Traffic Decree will provide certainty and clarity, which benefits everyone.

Through our announced airport charges for the period 2025–2027, we are substantially contributing to reducing nuisance. The use of the noisiest aircraft will become significantly more expensive, while operating the quietest aircraft will become more financially attractive. We believe this will have a substantial impact on the types of aircraft airlines choose to operate, especially for airlines without a base in Amsterdam. Based on our expertise, we have shared insights and calculations with the Ministry. These are partly informed by data Schiphol has received from airlines about changes to their fleets in response to our new tariffs.

There appears to be a difference between our insights and the Ministry's assumptions. We are keen to engage in discussions with the Ministry to better understand how they have arrived at their proposed adjusted package of measures. Schiphol firmly believes it remains crucial for the government to properly complete the Balanced Approach procedure so that its outcomes can be enshrined in new legislation.

Schiphol's response to announced package of measures by Ministry of I&W

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:43:04 +0200

Schiphol attaches great importance to certainty and clarity for local residents, airlines, Schiphol as an organisation and our employees. An important step has been taken with this package of measures. The package consists of measures that achieve noise reduction for local residents and offers perspective for airlines, while leaving sufficient room for Schiphol's hub function. That is important for the connectivity and business climate of the Netherlands. We appreciate the cabinet's continuation of the European balanced approach procedure so soon after taking office. The aim of this procedure is to ensure a good balance between the interests of the local community, airlines and the hub function of Schiphol.

As stated in our 8-point plan, we consider noise reduction to be essential. Included in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management’s package of measures is a proposed measure to differentiate airport charges. Schiphol is already in discussions with airlines about this. Schiphol's commitment is to adjust airport charges so that airlines are more financially encouraged to fly quieter aircraft during the day and night. In our 8-point plan and in recent talks with the ministry we also advocated for a night curfew, as we believe this could be of great value to the local community. We also made a case to the ministry for moving holiday flights and private jets to Lelystad Airport. However, the ministry has decided to make neither proposal part of their package of measures at this time. We will keep doing everything within our power to reduce noise nuisance to the local environment.

Incident at Schiphol

Thu, 30 May 2024 17:20:00 +0200

Yesterday there was a terrible incident in which a person ended up in an aircraft engine. Our thoughts are with the relatives and we are providing care for the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee have conducted an investigation.

Response incident EL AL passengers Friday 5 april

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:45:48 +0200

Schiphol has been investigating what happened to an EL Al flight and two passengers on Friday 5 April. We spoke about it today with Israel's ambassador, the contact person of the passengers involved and one of the passengers. It is clear that the two passengers did not feel well treated. We regret that and we apologise for that. We will ensure that this kind of situation does not happen again in the future.

Response by Schiphol to Labour Authority decision

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:58:00 +0100

Good working conditions and a healthy workplace have been prioritised in the new course Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has charted. Many improvements have been made over the years, but things have to be done quicker and better. As we said following previous Labour Authority reports on the decision: it is unfortunate that we and the sector have not been sufficiently successful in solving this ourselves and that the Labour Inspectorate has to get involved. Schiphol and partners are currently making progress when it comes to taking measures, conducting research and implementing innovations.

Measures to reduce emissions

Schiphol is working to reduce emissions and exposure of employees to these emissions. Collaboration is of the essence to make improvements in the airport. The airport is doing so in consultation with the aviation sector, national government and knowledge institutions. This means Schiphol is working on a comprehensive package of measures together with other employers. This is a complex challenge, as some of the required solutions − technological or otherwise − aren’t always available yet.

At Schiphol we are working on:

Measures on the apron to remove the source of emissions, such as the more stringent rules on taxiing using fewer engines and on auxiliary engine use, which are in place as of this year.
Measures to increase the distance between the source of emissions and employees, such as adjusting departure procedures (effective at the first two gates as of this year). In the course of 2024, the aviation sector will submit a joint action plan to adjust the departure procedures at Schiphol in the years ahead.
Experimental research into filtering and cleaning the air on and close to the apron, thereby improving air quality. Last autumn, for example, Schiphol conducted its first air filtration pilot at the fire station. In February, a follow-up pilot on outdoor use of the filtration system will start on the Pier D apron.

Schiphol's response to the suspension of the Experimental Ruling

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:02:56 +0100

Today it was announced that the Dutch government is suspending the Experimental Ruling. Schiphol is disappointed by the recent developments, as local residents are getting the short end of the stick. Reducing the number of flights is not a goal in itself for us, but the Experimental Ruling did provide clarity and certainty for local residents. Moreover, according to Schiphol, falling back on 'anticipatory enforcement' leads to more uncertainty, including for the aviation sector itself. It is time that hindrance for local residents is noticeably reduced. The importance of a night closure of Schiphol is now becoming even more imminent. This also applies to the other measures in our 8-point plan, such as the ban on private flights and the banning of the noisiest aircraft.

Schiphol receives nature permit

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:22:34 +0200

Today, the Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy grated Schiphol Airport a nature permit. Schiphol now has a permit for 440,000 to a maximum of 500,000 flights. Schiphol requested the permit on 1 October 2020 and that request has been added to several times since then.

This is a significant step, as getting this permit means we are complying with current laws and regulations again. It also demonstrates that Schiphol satisfies the requirements of the Nature Conservation Act. This provides certainty for us and for our surrounding environment. Furthermore, the permit enables the government to introduce new policies for Schiphol, such as an Airport Traffic Decree containing a new approach with hard environmental and noise limits for the aviation industry.

We want such a system to be in place as soon as possible, but in 2025-2026 at the latest. We therefore call on the government to come up with a legally anchored system in which the means (the number of flight movements) is no longer the guiding principle, but rather the goal (structurally less nuisance and emissions, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement). This is how we can achieve a better balance between our activities and the needs of the local environment and our employees, as well as contribute to global climate goals.