Mon, 28 May 2012
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Amsterdam Schiphol Airport expects a difficult year ahead according to its operator Schiphol Group.The airport group saw its profit fall 41 percent in 2008 and warned that net profit would fall by a further 50 percent in 2009.
The effect of the global economic crisis is taking its toll on the airport industry as a whole and Schiphol is one of the hardest hit. Ten percent fewer passengers are expected in 2009 and the number of cargo flights are also forecast to drop by 15 percent.
Schiphol Group, which also manages airports in Rotterdam and Eindhoven, blamed the introduction of a new flight tax, higher security costs and other pressures for their weak financial position.
The group's Chief Executive, Jos Nijhuis, was sombre in his assessment:
"We are moderately pleased with the results achieved in 2008. The outlook for 2009, however, is bleak."
The flight tax, introduced in July last year, has undeniably had an influence on Schiphol's woes. However, many argue that the airport's declining competitive position on the international market has been brought on itself.
Unsatisfactory service
Passengers who use Schiphol Airport regularly complain about the quality of the service there. Among the most common gripes are unfriendly personnel, long queues and lost baggage. But despite these negative customer reactions, Schiphol has become the second most expensive airport in Europe, with London Heathrow Airport as number one. The result of Schiphol's poor, but expensive, service? Dutch travellers have begun to use alternative airports in the German cities of Dusseldorf and Weeze.
So, while the future is indeed bleak for Schiphol Group, arguably they have no further to look than their own backyard for the reason why.
Ikenna Azuike
Radio Netherlands
Photo credits: oscar alexander; Christiaan Leever
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