Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has received approval from the competition regulator to raise airport charges by 37% over the next three years.
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) investigated the proposed increase, following complaints from airlines and other stakeholders.
The ACM found that the increase in charges is “not unreasonable” after comparing the charges at other airports, Schiphol Airport said in a statement.
Schiphol announced the increase in November 2024 and introduced the new charges on April 1.
Airport charges will rise by 41% this year and by 5% in 2026, before decreasing by 7,5% in 2027 (the final charges for 2026 and 2027 will be formally established within the next two years).
The fees will be used for necessary investments and to improve the quality of the airport. They are structured to reduce noise pollution. Newer, quieter aircraft will incur lower fees, while older, noisier models will see higher charges.
In response, IATA said it was disappointing that the regulator believes the increase to be reasonable. “Schiphol is set to double its charges in just eight years, while its services decline, and its capital spending fails to bring in much-needed improvements. Along with the uncertainty over the airport’s future capacity, this can only further damage the viability of Schiphol as a hub airport and the wider economy of the Netherlands,” said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe.