Amsterdam¡¯s Schiphol airport has been given approval by the Dutch competition regulator to raise airport charges by 37 per cent over the next three years.

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) investigated Schiphol¡¯s proposed increase in charges, which were introduced on 1 April, following complaints from airlines about the scale of the rise. But the ACM found this increase was ¡°not unreasonable¡±.

The hike in Schiphol¡¯s charges, which was announced in November 2024, will see a 41 per cent rise in 2025, followed by another 5 per cent increase in 2026 before decreasing by 7.5 per cent in 2027. This will lead to an average rise of €15 per departing passenger in 2027 compared with 2024.

Schiphol has said the increase in charges is required to enable ¡°necessary investments and further improve the quality of the airport¡±. It also pointed to increased ¡°differentiation¡± in its charges with higher rates for ¡°older, more noisy¡± aircraft, while reducing fees for modern, quieter aircraft.

Airlines have warned that the size of the rise will lead to higher airfares and impact Schiphol¡¯s competitiveness as a major European hub airport. The Dutch government is also cutting the number of annual flights allowed at the airport to reduce noise pollution.

Robert Carsouw, Schiphol's chief financial officer, added: ¡°We appreciate the thorough review?carried out by ACM and welcome confirmation that the new charges are reasonable.

¡°We will use the scope this provides to improve the airport in all areas. We are investing in improving the quality of service to passengers and airlines, sustainability, good working conditions for everyone working at Schiphol and a good balance with our environment.¡±

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents airlines, called the ACM¡¯s decision ¡°very disappointing¡± and added that it would mean that by 2027 Schiphol¡¯s charges will have ¡°doubled compared to 2019¡±.

¡°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,¡± said?Rafael Schvartzman, IATA¡¯s regional vice president for Europe.

¡°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.¡±