17
March
2020
|
10:59
Europe/Amsterdam

Update 17 March: The most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus at Schiphol

This blog is no longer being updated. You can read all the latest news on our live blog: schiphol.nl/live

A new strain of coronavirus emerged in the Chinse region of Wuhan in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) has since declared the outbreak an international emergency. Together with the relevant Dutch health authorities, such as the GGD and RIVM, Schiphol continues to monitor developments closely. The coronavirus is affecting the situation in the terminal and the air traffic to and from Schiphol. In this blog post, we’d like to answer the questions most people are asking. You can also check out our live blog for the very latest information.  

1. Is my flight going ahead?  

Many countries have introduced inbound travel restrictions for passengers arriving from countries where the coronavirus has been identified. As a result, various countries are barring flights from the Netherlands (and hence from Schiphol). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that all Dutch citizens avoid all non-essential travel abroad over the coming period. This recommendation was prompted by the potential impact of foreign government measures on Dutch passengers rather than health concerns. In addition, various airlines and travel organisations have indicated that they will not be travelling to and from Schiphol for the coming period. Developments in this area are changing rapidly. We therefore recommend that you keep an eye on the website of your airline or travel company for information about your flight. For example, our home carrier KLM has put together this page to keep all of its passengers informed about their flights and the coronavirus. If you have any questions about your trip, you can always contact your airline or travel organisation directly. For the most up-to-date travel advice per country, you can consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Dutch only).

2. Can I still travel to Schiphol from a high-risk area? 

The Dutch government has decided that passenger flights from mainland China (including Hong Kong), Iran, Italy and South Korea may not be operated to the Netherlands. This restriction currently applies until 18.00 on Friday, 27 March and may be extended beyond that date. Flights from other countries are still landing at Schiphol. And countries whose passenger flights are not allowed to fly to Schiphol are still allowed to land empty and pick up crew or fellow countrymen from the Netherlands. Similarly, airlines are also permitted to fly Dutch nationals back to the Netherlands from their holiday address or business destination. Would you like to check the status of your return flight? Check the website of your airline or travel organisation for the latest information.

3. Can I still buy food and drink at Schiphol Airport now that bars, cafés and restaurants have been obliged to close? 

All food and drink outlets at Schiphol are now closed, in line with the rest of the Netherlands. However, food and drink can still be purchased from kiosks and Grab&Fly outlets on the piers. And if you are travelling, you can also bring an empty water bottle with you. You can fill your bottle yourself at one of Schiphol’s 90 water taps.  

4. Can I change or cancel my parking reservation for a car park at Schiphol? 

Yes, you certainly can. We will be more than happy to help you if your travel plans have changed unexpectedly. You can therefore change and cancel your parking reservation free of charge for all entry dates up to and including 31 May 2020. Simply log in with your reservation number and email address to change your parking reservation.  

5. What action is Schiphol taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at the airport? 

Schiphol is in close contact with the RIVM and the Municipal Health Service (GGD) and follows their advice. Together with their experts we are monitoring developments closely. We continue to take a number of different scenarios into account so that we are full prepared for any eventuality that might affect the airport. We ask travellers to observe the following measures: 

  • Keep an appropriate distance from other travellers when queuing (recommendation: at least one and a half metres). 

  • Keep hold of your travel documents and present them clearly to staff instead of handing them over. 

  • Respect our staff by keeping your distance. 

Otherwise, the same advice applies to our travellers and staff as to everyone else in the Netherlands: wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow and use paper handkerchiefs. 

 

Informatieschermen
Informatieschermen