Schiphol expects it to be much busier this summer than last year. The airport anticipates thirteen million travelers until the end of August, over 7 percent more than in 2024. That amounts to over 200,000 travelers daily.
Staff shortages at airport security and other services led to long queues during holiday periods three years ago. Schiphol subsequently took measures to prevent a repeat of those chaotic scenes. Travelers should expect longer waiting times at check-in, security control, or passport control this summer.
The busiest departure day is expected to be Monday, July 21, with 86,000 travelers. This summer, most holidaymakers will depart to Spain, the United Kingdom, and Greece. Italy, the United States, and Turkey are also popular destinations. The South region starts its summer vacation first on Friday.
Schiphol advises everyone to be well-prepared when traveling. For example, the airport advises people to use the free time slots for security. Travelers can now also receive notifications about their flight via WhatsApp, such as gate changes, delays, and boarding information. Furthermore, Schiphol reminds travelers that power banks are not allowed in checked baggage. They must be carried in hand luggage.
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee already calculated on Wednesday that over 5.8 million travelers will pass through passport control between July 4 and August 31.
People were advised to check in advance whether their travel documents are still valid and whether there are any outstanding fines for a smooth journey. “No matter how busy it gets, we will not make any concessions to safety at Schiphol,” said Major Michiel van Leeuwen, Brigade Commander Border Control.