Schiphol Airport is prioritizing significant infrastructure upgrades, including Pier C, the baggage system, and sustainability initiatives, to improve quality, safety, and employee well-being after years of cost-focused expansion.
Critical components of the Schiphol airport infrastructure, including Pier C, the baggage basement, climate control systems, walkways, aircraft stands, and taxiways, are slated for significant maintenance or replacement.
“After a prolonged focus on cost-cutting and expansion, we must now prioritize catching up to provide the necessary quality for our employees, travelers, and airlines. Quantity took precedence over quality, which didn’t benefit our airport assets. We need to adopt a different approach and invest in our facilities to align with our quality and sustainability goals,” explained Ruud Sondag, CEO of the Royal Schiphol Group.
Efforts are underway to enhance maintenance, upgrade facilities, and boost sustainability. The airport aims to address bottlenecks, expand lounge spaces, adjust walkways, and offer more services. The renovation of Lounge 2 is already in progress, with over 200 walkways and lifts scheduled for renewal. Eighteen passenger bridges will be replaced, and work on Pier A is expected to be completed by Q2 2024, with plans for Pier C’s renovation in the pipeline. A new baggage basement will be constructed before replacing large sections of the current baggage system.
In collaboration with handling companies, Schiphol is implementing an action plan to reduce employee physical strain. Lifting aids are being installed at workstations, with the goal of equipping all locations by April 2024. Renovations for 136 rest areas and 224 employee toilet blocks are planned. Measures to reduce diesel and jet engine emissions and safeguard employee health are also being implemented.
Schiphol is phasing out fossil fuel-powered vehicles, constructing a new high-voltage substation, and transitioning to sustainable energy sources while enhancing airside safety. The completion of the Quebec dual taxiway project and increased maintenance of asphalt and concrete, including aircraft stands and taxiways, are part of the plan.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
