Schiphol Airport rolls back planned fee increase after pressure from airlines
September 30, 2025
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is reconsidering a 5% rise in airline charges that had been slated for 2026, saying it will instead propose a freeze after pushback from carriers.
The reversal comes after Schiphol implemented a steep 41% increase in fees in 2025 as part of a three-year plan tied to funding investments and incentivising quieter operations.
The original schedule called for a further 5% rise in 2026 and a 7.5% reduction in 2027. Dutch regulator ACM approved the 2025–2027 charge package in June, calling it “not unreasonable.” However, the decision drew criticism from airlines and industry groups.
Schiphol announced the reversal in a statement published on Monday.
“We understand that the 2025 charge increase has a significant impact on airlines flying to and from Schiphol,” said Schiphol CFO Robert Carsouw. “This increase is necessary to invest in quality and to encourage airlines to use their quietest aircraft. Important steps are being taken in this regard.
“At the same time, we see that Schiphol is performing well financially and that some airlines consider Schiphol to be too expensive. This requires us to find the right balance.
“That is why we are in discussions about the charges and are considering reducing the planned charge increase for 2026 to 0%. This will enable us to continue connecting the Netherlands with the world in an efficient and affordable way.”
KLM and IATA condemn Schiphol fee increases
KLM, Schiphol’s largest operator, had previously condemned the fee path, noting, “No other airport in Europe opts for such an increase.”
Last October, the airline’s CEO, Marjan Rinte,l said of the increase:
“Schiphol shifts additional costs of setbacks and budget overruns largely to the traveller … More expensive tickets are inevitable if you increase airport charges so drastically.
“This is unreasonable and unwise. Unreasonable, because Schiphol is placing the costs of all setbacks and Covid-19 entirely on the airlines. Unwise, because in doing so, the airport undermines its competitive position as an international hub. This poses risks for the hub function, the connectivity of the Netherlands, and our economy.”
The International Air Transport Association argued that Schiphol’s multi-year increases would double charges versus 2019 levels. In a statement issued this June, Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, described the regulator’s decision as “very disappointing”, saying that Schiphol was doubling fees “while its services decline, and its capital spending fails to bring in much-needed improvements.”
Schvartzman also raised concerns over “the uncertainty over the airport’s future capacity,” saying the fee increase “can only further damage the viability of Schiphol as a hub airport and the wider economy of the Netherlands.”
IATA noted that aviation supports over 400,000 jobs in the Netherlands and contributes 3.6% of Dutch GDP.
“Schiphol is the essential artery for airlines to bring business, goods, and tourism to and from the Netherlands,” the airline association stated. “It is therefore important that Schiphol tariffs remain reasonable and Schiphol remains competitive.”
What’s next at Schiphol
Schiphol said it could support the proposal to reverse the 2026 increase with “a voluntary contribution from Schiphol,” allowing airlines to keep fares affordable.
The airport indicated it “has focused on efficiency and cost control in airport operations, without compromising on quality and safety at the airport.” Schiphol added that it continues “to invest in quality, innovation and the incentivisation of cleaner and quieter aircraft.”
Consultations with airlines are ongoing, and Schiphol states that the formal ruling on 2026 charges will be announced by the end of October.
