Amsterdam Schiphol Passenger Traffic Rises to 68.8 Million, Still Below 2019 Peak.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) reported strong passenger traffic for the last year. The airport handled 68.8 million travelers. This marks a 2.9% increase from the previous year's 66.8 million passengers. Despite this growth, Schiphol passenger traffic remains below its pre-pandemic peak. The record was set in 2019 with 71.7 million passengers. The airport is a major European gateway. It is one of Western Europe's busiest aviation hubs.

Hub Connectivity and Passenger Flow

Schiphol serves as a vital connection point for global travel. Of the total travelers, 43.6 million used the airport as their origin or final destination. An additional 25.2 million passengers passed through on a connecting flight.

The airport offered nonstop services to 301 destinations. This includes 125 intercontinental routes outside Europe. Based on these direct connections, the airport industry body ACI ranks Schiphol highly. It is considered Europe's second-best connected airport. Popular destinations included Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Operational Trends and Cargo Volumes

The airport saw 477,552 arrivals and departures. This figure represents a one percent increase from the previous year. Airlines are increasingly deploying quieter planes on Schiphol routes. This trend is supported by new airport charges. It also aligns with the Netherlands' noise reduction goals.

Freight and Financial Reporting

Cargo volumes at Schiphol totaled 1.43 million metric tons. This marks a four percent decrease from the previous year. The number of dedicated freight flights also fell by two percent.

The decrease in cargo volume presents a challenge for the airport's overall performance. It contrasts with the strong recovery in passenger numbers. Schiphol is expected to present its final traffic and transport data. This will be released alongside its annual results in February.

Industry Context and Future Outlook

Schiphol is a key competitor among major European hubs. These include Paris–Charles de Gaulle, London Heathrow, and Frankfurt Airport. The airport's growth is often constrained by government-imposed slot restrictions. The Dutch government has proposed a long-term flight movement cap. This is intended to address noise concerns for local residents.

The airport must balance recovery with sustainability goals. This is a major focus for the industry, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The recent severe winter conditions caused major operational disruption. This resulted in numerous cancellations and significant delays. Such events highlight the need for robust infrastructure. They also underscore the importance of operational resilience at major hubs like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

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