Schiphol Increases Airport Fees by Over 40%: Flights from Amsterdam Significantly More Expensive

Late last week, Schiphol announced in a press release that airport charges, paid by airlines for using the airport, will increase by 41%. This increase will take effect starting April 2025. According to Schiphol Airport, this measure is necessary to continue investing in infrastructure and sustainability.

This increase is independent of the flight tax imposed by the Dutch government. The flight tax is a separate levy on tickets for passengers leaving the Netherlands. The airport charges are set by Schiphol itself. Both measures result in higher costs for travelers.

What Are Airport Charges?

Airport charges are fees that airlines pay to airports for using their facilities. These costs cover various services, such as the use of runways, passenger terminals, and other airport infrastructure. Airport charges are a significant source of revenue for airports and are often passed on to passengers through ticket prices.

This substantial increase in rates is necessary to invest in the desired quality and sustainability at Schiphol, to improve services to airlines and passengers, and to provide good working conditions for everyone working at Schiphol.

Different Types of Charges

Airport charges are based on various types of fees, each with its own costs. The main charges that airlines pay include:

1. Takeoff and Landing Fees
   These are fees for using the runways. The charges can vary depending on the weight of the aircraft and the time of day.
2. Passenger Charges
   These are fees per passenger for using terminal facilities. This includes services like security, baggage handling, and passenger services.
3. Aircraft Parking Fees
   Airlines also pay for parking their aircraft at the airport. These costs can vary depending on the duration of parking and the location at the airport.
4. Noise Surcharges
   Some airports, including Schiphol, charge extra for noisier aircraft. This is intended to encourage airlines to use quieter planes.
5. Environmental Surcharges
   These are additional charges to offset the environmental impact of air traffic. The surcharges can be used for investments in sustainable projects and technologies.

The setting of rates at Schiphol occurs once every three years and is regulated by law, with oversight by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). Schiphol is not allowed to profit from the airport charges.

More Expensive Flights from Amsterdam

Travelers from Amsterdam can expect higher ticket prices due to the increase in airport charges at Schiphol. On average, a flight ticket could become 15 to 20 euros more expensive.

This is separate from the flight tax, which will be €29.05 in 2024 and will increase to €29.40 in 2025, an increase of about 1.2%. The combination of both cost increases will further raise the total price of tickets, adding extra costs for travelers.

KLM and Transavia Concerns Over Increased Charges

KLM and Transavia have expressed their dissatisfaction with the increase in airport charges at Schiphol. Both airlines argue that the rates no longer align with rising costs and inflation. They point out that the planned 41% increase, on top of the 40% rise over the past three years, puts significant financial pressure on airlines and leads to higher ticket prices for travelers.

Schiphol shifts extra costs from setbacks and budget overruns largely onto the traveler. More expensive tickets are inevitable if you increase airport charges so drastically. This is unreasonable and unwise.

The risk of this increase is that Schiphol could lose its competitive position. Higher airport charges might prompt airlines to move their operations to cheaper airports like Paris-Charles de Gaulle, home to Air France. This could undermine Schiphol's role as a major airport and harm the economy. Higher ticket prices could also lead to fewer travelers, which is detrimental to the tourism sector and related businesses.