Schiphol reports record infrastructure investment as quieter aircraft continue to reduce noise

Royal Schiphol Group invested a record €801 million in the first half of 2026 to modernise its airports, improve passenger facilities and support long-term growth, while reporting a stable underlying net profit of €215 million despite geopolitical and operational challenges.

The group handled 37.3 million passengers across Schiphol, Eindhoven and Rotterdam The Hague airports, a slight increase from a year earlier, although flight movements fell by 3% to 250,788. At Amsterdam Schiphol alone, passenger numbers remained broadly stable at 32.7 million, while the airport maintained direct links to 301 destinations, including 122 intercontinental routes.

A key highlight was the continued shift towards quieter aircraft. The proportion of flights operated by the two quietest aircraft categories rose from 29% to 38% year-on-year, driven by Schiphol’s differentiated airport charging system. Noise monitoring also showed average aircraft noise levels have fallen by around two decibels since 2018 as airlines introduce newer aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo, A321neo, A350, A330neo and Boeing 787.

Revenue increased 5.6% to €1.33 billion, although Schiphol recorded a negative cash flow after investments as it accelerated its €10 billion infrastructure renewal programme. Major projects included maintenance works, completion of the A Pier, electrical infrastructure upgrades and preparations for the planned opening of Lelystad Airport to commercial traffic in November 2027.

The first half of the year was affected by severe winter weather, airspace disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East and sharply higher fuel prices, prompting Schiphol to introduce a temporary reduction in airport charges to help airlines maintain connectivity. Meanwhile, cargo volumes increased by 10%, supported by strong demand for dedicated freighter operations.