The long queues at airports have caused travel disruption for hundreds of families and holidaymakers this summer. Were you one of the unlucky ones who missed a flight because of the long security queues at Schiphol or Eindhoven Airport? There is some good news: you might be eligible for compensation! Read on to find out what you need to do in order to get some of your money back.
Chaos and queues at airports across the Netherlands
For months, prospective holidaymakers across the Netherlands have been shocked by the scenes at various Dutch airports. With passenger numbers peaking following the coronavirus pandemic and the end of the majority of travel restrictions, short-staffed airports have been unable to keep up with demand since the May school holidays.
This has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights, and even more travellers missing their flights as a result of the considerable queues at check-in and security. Luckily, the two airports which experienced the worst queues, Schiphol and Eindhoven, have confirmed that passengers whose travel plans were disrupted as a result of their delays will be eligible to apply for compensation.
Want to see if you’re entitled to get any money back? Here’s everything we know about the request procedure for both airports.
Requesting compensation from Schiphol Airport
If you missed a flight at Schiphol because you were stuck in a long queue, you might be able to receive some compensation from the airport - however, some conditions apply.
Conditions and rules for compensation requests:
- Your flight was scheduled to depart between April 23 and August 11.
- You arrived at the airport at the time specified by your airline (i.e. leaving enough time before the scheduled departure time).
- You missed your flight because of the long security queues.
- You’re able to prove you arrived at the airport on time (i.e. through photos or parking tickets).
- In missing your flight, you incurred additional costs that were not reimbursed by another party (i.e. rebooking costs, accommodation costs).
How can I submit a request for compensation?
Do you meet the above conditions? You can submit your compensation request via the Schiphol website - be warned though, you only have up until the end of September to do so!
Schiphol aims to let you know whether your request was successful within six weeks, and the money will be deposited into your bank account within 14 days of approval.
Requesting compensation from Eindhoven Airport
Similarly, holidaymakers who were planning to travel via Eindhoven Airport but missed their flight as a result of the long queues may also be eligible for compensation. Again, a handful of conditions apply.
Conditions and rules for compensation requests:
- Your flight was scheduled to depart between May 23 and August 11.
- You arrived at the airport at least two and a half hours before your scheduled departure.
- You missed your flight because of the long security queues.
- You’re able to prove you arrived at the airport on time (i.e. through photos or parking tickets).
- In missing your flight, you incurred additional costs that were not reimbursed by another party (i.e. rebooking costs, money spent on food or drink when waiting for a later flight).
How can I submit a request for compensation?
If you meet the conditions set out by airport management, you’re eligible to apply for compensation. Like Schiphol Airport, the deadline for requests is September 30, 2022. You can find the compensation request form on the Eindhoven Airport website.
You’ll find out if your request was successful within six weeks of submission, and the money will be deposited into your bank account within 14 days of the request being approved.
Chaos at Schiphol Airport likely to continue
For now, it seems as though the situation at Eindhoven Airport is under control, although passengers travelling via Schiphol continue to occasionally face excessively long queues for security.
Airport management has also warned that the chaotic scenes will likely continue throughout the autumn, specifically up until the October school holidays, and that another cap on passenger numbers will be in place in order to alleviate some of the pressure placed on members of staff.