Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS), a major European aviation hub, has announced a fee increase of 37% spread over the next three years in response to high inflation and rising interest rates. On October 31, 2024, airport authorities shared that airlines will face an average increase of 15 euros ($16.31) per local departing passenger by 2027.
The fee hike will be phased in, with a 41% increase in 2025, 5% in 2026, followed by a 7.5% decrease in 2027, totaling a 37% rise overall. Revenue from these fees will contribute to a €6 billion investment fund aimed at significant infrastructure improvements by 2029, marking the airport’s largest investment initiative to date.
Schiphol’s statement explained that this increase will fund essential improvements in infrastructure, passenger and airline services, and working conditions. Additionally, part of the fees will be allocated to reducing noise pollution, including additional charges for night flights. Quieter aircraft will benefit from lower fees, while noisier, older models will face higher costs and even bans starting in 2025.
Despite Schiphol’s plans, KLM, the airport’s largest customer, expressed strong opposition, warning that the increase will make Schiphol the second most expensive airport in Europe. The airline noted that this hike comes after a previous 40% rise in tariffs over the past three years, with KLM arguing that increased airport fees will drive up ticket prices and hurt both travelers and the aviation industry.
KLM criticized Schiphol’s decision, stating, “No other airport in Europe opts for such an increase, making Schiphol significantly more expensive compared to other European hubs like Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Copenhagen (CPH).” The airline added that this decision would shift setbacks and cost overruns onto travelers, potentially damaging Schiphol’s competitive standing as an international hub.
KLM’s CEO, Marjan Rintel, acknowledged the need for airport improvements and noise reduction efforts. However, she criticized Schiphol’s approach, calling the fee increase “unreasonable and unwise,” as it could impact the airport’s connectivity, the Dutch economy, and its hub function.
Earlier in 2024, the Dutch government dropped its plan to cut flight capacity at Schiphol for the summer after facing opposition from U.S. and European authorities. This cap, which would have limited the airport’s flight movements to 450,000, aimed to curb noise, air pollution, and carbon emissions but faced backlash, even though it had support from environmentalists and local residents for its environmental benefits.
