Schiphol Airport has selected dnata, KLM and Viggo as its three preferred ground handling providers under a new regulated operating model that will significantly restructure baggage and aircraft handling at the airport.
The decision reduces the number of handling contractors at Schiphol from six to three and marks the end of the current open-market system. Each of the selected companies will receive a seven-year concession and will contract directly with airlines for ground handling services.
The selection was based on five qualitative criteria, including service quality, employment practices, collaboration, sustainability and operational performance. Schiphol said the new structure is intended to improve coordination between stakeholders, enhance working conditions and raise service standards for airlines and passengers.
Airport officials said the model will require greater sharing of equipment among handlers and increased investment in sustainability measures.
Schiphol COO Patricia Vitalis said the reform is designed to create a more stable and accountable system compared with the previous competitive framework, enabling clearer requirements and improved service delivery.
The airport, unions and employers have emphasised that no jobs will be lost during the transition. Existing employees are expected to transfer to the new providers with their current employment conditions preserved, supported by agreements between employers’ organisations and trade unions.
The final contracts are expected to be formally awarded in the third quarter of 2026, with a transition phase leading up to new operations starting in the second quarter of 2027.