Chaos returns to Amsterdam Schiphol as security staffers massively look for jobs elsewhere; airport asks airlines to start canceling flights

Since this morning, chaos has returned at Amsterdam Schiphol in The Netherlands. Passengers anxiously awaiting their turn in a very long queue at the security checkpoints rush to social media to complain. Some people state that they waited for hours before they could enter the terminal building.

Dutch union FNV, representing airport staff knows the answer for the delays: during the busy Summer period, airport staff at Schiphol received an hourly extra allowance (zomertoeslag). As the allowance only covered July and August, security staff is massively looking for work elsewhere, hence the queues at the security screening are back.

“The extra summer allowance, an extra of €5,25 gross per hour, stopped at the end of August,” FNV unionist Joost van Doesburg explains. “A lot of airport employees already indicated to work elsewhere after the Summer period, the scenario now seems to be unfolding. The summer allowance has thus helped to cope with the problems, but has not helped to make the problems at Schiphol to disappear in a structural way.”

Airport staffers will still receive an extra pay of €1,40 gross per hour. According to the union member, the outflow at the airport is currently very high, especially among the security staff: “the summer allowance meant a bit of appreciation for this particular group. For many of them, it was reason to stay, at least until the end of the summer allowance. But they can earn the same amount of money elsewhere for less intensive work.”

A summer season in aviation lasts until October, why it was decided to abolish this summer allowance in August is a big question mark. September is also still a busy month with the combination of tourists going on their well-deserved holidays and the resumption of business/work related passengers.

Remains of course a very unpleasant situation for the passengers, the airport staff and the airport itself, which is clearly suffering from the post corona era.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam Schiphol has responded to the chaos: “it’s very busy at Schiphol today. Staffing levels at security are lower than what we had requested of the security companies. Schiphol has asked several airlines to cancel flights between 16:00 and 23:00.”

Passengers are advised to check their flight information with their airline.

“Then take into account longer waiting times, delays and possible cancellations,” the airport warned, adding that “employees in the terminal are doing everything they can to ensure that everyone can travel today, but unfortunately there is a chance that travellers will miss their flight due to long waiting times. We regret the situation that has arisen and understands the disappointment and frustration that it may entail. Travellers who miss their flight as a result of long queues at the security check can apply to Schiphol for compensation.”