Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has announced a 41% increase in airline fees for 2024, attributing the hike to rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the need for extensive infrastructure improvements. The fee increase, which will fund penalties for noisy aircraft and higher charges for night flights, aims to improve the airport’s services and working conditions while also investing in quality and sustainability upgrades. To ease the impact, Schiphol will contribute €100 million toward these investments, estimated at €6 billion over the next five years.
The new fee structure will also see a 6% increase in 2026, followed by a 7.5% reduction in 2027, which will still leave airlines paying an additional €15 per passenger on average compared to 2024. Schiphol CFO Robert Carsouw emphasized that the fee increase is necessary to maintain service quality, promote sustainability, and mitigate noise for neighboring communities. The funds will be directed toward enhancing airline and passenger services, as well as improving working conditions for airport staff.
The fee hike has been met with criticism, particularly from KLM, the Netherlands’ national carrier, which argues that Schiphol is unfairly passing costs from setbacks and pandemic losses onto airlines and, ultimately, travelers. KLM CEO Marjan Rintel voiced concerns that the drastic fee increase could harm Schiphol’s competitive edge as an international hub, potentially impacting the Netherlands’ connectivity and economy. KLM warned that the higher fees will lead to more expensive tickets, posing challenges for both the airline and passengers.
