KLM CEO Slams Schiphol Airport Over 41% Fee Hike

DALLAS — Marjan Rintel, CEO KLM (KL), took to the airline's website to state that Schiphol International Airport’s (AMS) decision to raise its fees by a whopping 41% in the coming year "has major implications for both travelers and the aviation sector."

The CEO notes that the increase comes on top of the previous 40% tariff hike over the past three years, making AMS the second most expensive airport in Europe. Effective 2025, the substantial adjustment is part of a comprehensive multi-year plan to generate additional revenue for the airport.

Over the next three years, Schiphol aims to accumulate a total fee increase of 37%. The breakdown of these increases is as follows:

• 41% increase in 2025
• 5% increase in 2026
• 7.5% decrease in 2027

By 2027, this cumulative increase will result in an average fee rise of €15 per departing passenger compared to current rates.

Reasons for the Fee Increase

Schiphol Airport has identified several factors that necessitate the implementation of these fee adjustments:

• Recovering from pandemic-related financial losses
• Funding €6 billion in planned infrastructure improvements over the next five years
• Addressing high inflation and interest rates
• Investing in sustainability and service quality
• Improving working conditions for airport staff
  

While AMS aims to improve its airport and provide better service to travelers, the drastic fee hike raises concerns about the burden it places on travelers.

According to Rintel, AMS is shifting additional costs of setbacks and budget overruns largely to travelers, which is unreasonable and unwise. Schiphol is essentially placing the costs of all setbacks and COVID-19 entirely on airlines, undermining its competitive position as an international hub.

"This poses risks for the hub function, the connectivity of the Netherlands, and our economy." Marjan Rintel, KLM CEO

While KL agrees with AMS that improving the airport and better service for travelers are urgently needed, the airline's position is that the fee hikes will negatively impact airlines and in turn its customers.

What are your thoughts on AMS' fee increase plans? Be sure to leave your comments on our social media channels!

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