The fees that airlines have to pay to use Schiphol Airport are expected to increase by more than 30 percent in the next three years. As a result, plane ticket prices from Amsterdam will also be raised.
Airlines that travel through Schiphol Airport will have to pay a total of 37 percent more in airport charges in three years. The charges will be increased by 41 percent in 2025, 5 percent in 2026 and decreased by 7,5 percent in 2027 - the rates for 2026 and 2027 could still change further, depending on investments and external factors.
As the airlines will be charged an average of 15 euros more for a departing passenger in 2027, these extra costs will be passed on to passengers themselves. In a news release, Schiphol stated that the extra costs will go towards their plans to invest 6 billion euros into airport improvements.
“This sharp increase in charges is necessary to invest in the desired quality and sustainability at Schiphol, to improve services to airlines and passengers, and to provide decent working conditions for all people working at Schiphol,” said Robert Carsouw, CFO of the Royal Schiphol Group.
While the Dutch airport is increasing the fees for all airlines, some will feel the price hike more than others. Airlines with quieter planes will be charged less by the airport in Amsterdam, while those with noisier planes will receive a larger bill.
Flights to and from Schiphol that occur at night will also be subjected to additional charges. These measures are part of the airport’s plan to reduce noise pollution. “By making it significantly more expensive or even impossible to fly with noisier aircraft and to fly at night, we are contributing to the reduction of nuisance to our neighbours,” stated Carsouw.
Many airlines and organisations have expressed their disappointment over Schiphol’s price hikes. "This will make Schiphol one of the most expensive airports in Europe," chairman of the airline industry association Barin, Marnix Fruitema, told NOS.
Both Barin and KLM are worried about how these extra charges will affect the airport’s competitive position. “The customer decides. If they don't want to pay, they go to Düsseldorf or Brussels. And airlines can also choose to divert," said Fruitema. KLM CEO Marjan Rintel believes that this will weaken Schiphol’s position as an international hub, “the connectedness of the Netherlands and our economy”.
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