Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands served approximately 29.7 million passengers in the first half of 2016, a 9.9% increase over the same period the previous year.
Interim results released today (August 26) by Schiphol Group, the airport operator, have shown that any revenue generated by the rise in passenger numbers was offset by an 11.6% reduction in airport charges, which commenced on April 1, 2016. This meant that total revenue for the period remained steady at €687m (US$776m), with €684m (US$772m) recorded for the first half of 2015.
In line with the operator’s published outlook and the completion of several development projects, such as the renewed Departure Lounge 2, the net result the first half of 2016 fell by 40.6% to €121m (US$137m), with €203m (US$229m) recorded for the first half of 2015.
Jos Nijhuis, president and CEO, Schiphol Group, said, “The strong growth in passenger numbers reflects the strength of Schiphol. However, this position cannot be taken for granted. The geopolitical and economic climate is uncertain and our competitors are not standing still.
“Moreover, the strong growth in passenger numbers means that Schiphol is reaching the limits of its capacity and that quality is under pressure. Unfortunately this is sometimes noticeable to passengers. In order to continue providing optimal services to passengers and airlines in the future and secure our position, we will substantially increase investments in capacity expansion, quality and accessibility, from €400m (US$452m) to €600m (US$677m) per year, on average, over the next years.”
