Cabinet wants fewer baggage handling companies at Schiphol to prevent chaos | Economy

The rush of travelers and staff shortages caused major problems at the airport in June 2022. There were too few security guards to check all passengers in a timely manner. This caused long lines and travelers missed their planes.

On top of that, all kinds of problems with the suitcases arose. These did not go on the right flights, piled up and sometimes were not returned to their owners weeks later.

“It became clear to everyone in 2022 that things were not going well with baggage handling at Schiphol. That has to change,” said outgoing Minister Mark Harbers (Infrastructure) on Thursday. Limiting the number of baggage handlers would reduce competition between companies.

This should improve the working conditions of employees, making it less difficult to recruit staff. It would also improve the quality of service.

Six companies are now active at Schiphol in the handling of baggage, freight and mail. According to Harbers, there are relatively many compared to other European airports. Research he commissioned shows that the market for handling at Schiphol is too small for so many companies.

The intention is that there will soon be only three instead of six luggage companies. But the decision only applies to companies that handle travelers’ luggage. The freight sector does not count. Such a restriction can lead to logistical problems. The scheme also does not apply to private aircraft.

It will take some time before the measure is put into practice. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Schiphol can now start a European tender. That process will probably take about a year. This is followed by a transition period. Parties can then prepare for the changes.

Schiphol supports the decision. “We have previously called for a reduction in the number of handlers,” says a spokesperson. “We believe that this contributes to improving working conditions, quality, safety and sustainability of the entire ground handling process.”

WPBL, the employers’ association of handling companies, says it cannot respond at short notice.