Schiphol is allowed to proceed with increasing tariffs for airlines using the airport. Ten airlines and three interest groups had filed complaints. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) rules that significantly higher airport charges are not unreasonable.
The tariffs Schiphol is allowed to charge are subject to rules, where the airport may only make limited profit from the airport charges. The ACM concludes that the higher airport charges are the result of higher costs for personnel, interest rates, and lower passenger numbers.
In addition, Schiphol is compensating for the losses from the corona period with the higher tariffs. According to the ACM, it is mainly the latter that makes Schiphol more expensive compared to other airports of the same caliber.
The ACM also allows Schiphol to impose higher airport charges on noisy aircraft and lower charges on quiet aircraft.
The tariffs will increase by a total of 37 percent over three years, Schiphol announced last October. This year the increase is 41 percent. In 2026 it will be 5 percent and in 2027 the airport charges will decrease again by 7.5 percent.
The interest group for airlines, BARIN, is disappointed. According to chairman Marnix Fruitema, the supervisor uses too strict an interpretation of the aviation law, which in his opinion should be adjusted. He points to a report by consultancy firm KPMG. It states that rules regarding airport charges place relatively many financial risks on the airlines.
Schiphol responds with satisfaction. According to CFO Robert Carsouw, the judgment offers room to improve the airport. “We are investing in improving the quality of service to passengers and airlines, sustainability, good working conditions for everyone working at Schiphol and a good balance with our environment.”