Photo: Lauren Comiteau
Schiphol airport is cutting passenger numbers by an average of 9,250 a day for the coming six weeks, as it grapples to cope with a shortage of security staff.
The cut amounts to an 18% reduction in the number of travellers and has been made necessary because security companies ‘are supplying fewer security officials than pledged earlier’, the airport said.
The measure will remain in place until at least October 31.
The news comes a day after airport chief executive Dick Benschop said he was stepping down from the job. His resignation follows criticism of the way he had attempted to solve the staff shortages which have plagued Schiphol since May.
Operational director Hanne Buis said the passenger number cuts were needed to guarantee both traveller and staff safety, but admitted it is ‘bad news for passengers and airlines’.
KLM said the measure would have ‘far reaching consequences for our passengers, colleagues and Schiphol’s national and international reputation and that of KLM.’
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl
The DutchNews.nl team would like to thank all the generous readers who have made a donation in recent weeks. Your financial support has helped us to expand our coverage of the coronavirus crisis into the evenings and weekends and make sure you are kept up to date with the latest developments.
DutchNews.nl has been free for 14 years, but without the financial backing of our readers, we would not be able to provide you with fair and accurate news and features about all things Dutch. Your contributions make this possible.
