Why one of Europe’s top airports has become a ‘crazy mess’

At Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, labor shortages continue to fuel unprecedented chaos that began in the spring, prompting many travelers and aviation insiders to wonder what has happened to an airport long considered one of the most efficient and highly regarded in Europe — if not the world.

The beleaguered airport — the world’s third busiest for international passenger numbers in 2021 — has continued to cut flight capacity, infuriating airlines such as KLM, the national carrier of the Netherlands whose hub is at Schiphol. The latest round of cuts asked airlines to implement reductions up to 22% for the winter season — a “hopeless situation, lacking any perspective,” KLM said in a release.

KLM added that the situation is “damaging our reputation among passengers who are keen and willing to travel after the extended Covid crisis.” The airline estimates it has incurred more than 100 million euros (about $96 million) in damages as a result.