ACI EUROPE reacted with dismay to the decision of the Dutch Government today to drastically reduce the capacity at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol connects the Netherlands to the world. Along with KLM in particular and many other airlines, the airport has established strong hub operations, delivering air connectivity at levels and of quality that are well beyond that which a country the size of the Netherlands would normally attract.

Based on ACI EUROPE's just released Airport Industry Connectivity Report 2022, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol this year ranks as number one in Europe in terms of direct air connectivity, and number 3 (just behind Frankfurt and Istanbul) for hub connectivity levels. At the same time, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a leader in sustainability - not only committed but working hard to reduce the environmental footprint of the airport and its operations, striving to become a zero-emission airport.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol's air connectivity is a massive benefit to the Netherlands at various levels. Of course, this is about creating and supporting economic activity and jobs and thus livelihoods, as it is an essential factor in the attractiveness of the Netherlands as a place to do business. But it also contributes to the standing of the country and its soft power.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE commented: "In so many ways, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is what makes the Netherlands bigger than it is. From that standpoint, there is no doubt that the decision of the Government to significantly reduce the capacity of the airport will make the Netherlands smaller.”