Schiphol unveils €10 billion plan to improve quality, sustainability and traveller experience by 2035

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) has announced plans focused on quality and balance for the future, aiming to improve the traveller experience, provide better service to airlines and ensure good working conditions. At the same time, the airport is working to become quieter and more sustainable. With these plans, Schiphol aims to contribute to the Dutch economy and the progress of the Netherlands.

For more than a century, Schiphol has been a hub for world travellers, goods and a cornerstone of the economy. CEO Pieter van Oord said: “Our future can be summed up in two words: quality and balance. This is how we keep the Netherlands moving and make a small country great. With a high-quality airport that serves the Netherlands.”

With an investment programme of €10 billion until 2035, Schiphol plans to build better and more sustainable infrastructure, including a new terminal and renovated piers. This additional space is essential for travellers to move comfortably and to accommodate larger, quieter aircraft. Schiphol aims to return to the top three European hub airports by delivering quality to travellers, employees and airlines, while striking a balance with the environment and society. An important part of achieving this balance is reducing noise and emissions at the airport.

The investments will also improve working conditions. Schiphol will implement innovations to make working at the airport healthier and less strenuous. These include baggage robots, underground systems for transferring suitcases and goods, and reducing exposure to ultrafine particles.

Renovating and rebuilding the airport will provide more space, comfort and quality. The current terminal and accessibility are inadequate for the number of travellers. More space and better accessibility contribute to quality and the resilience of the airport. The Schiphol Centre Master Plan outlines the airport’s ideal state by 2050.

The plan includes the construction of New Terminal South, designed to provide light, space and quiet, ensuring a pleasant travel experience. Schiphol will retain its unique one-terminal concept, with everything under one roof and within walking distance. Renovations will also take place at piers. Pier A will open in 2027, followed by Piers B, C, D and H/M, creating more space for travellers and larger, quieter, cleaner aircraft. Additional gates will be needed for the largest aircraft. Traveller areas, lounges, catering and shops will also be renovated to improve the travel experience.

Accessibility will be improved through upgrades to roads and public transport, including a new metro line connecting Amsterdam, Schiphol and Hoofddorp. This ensures the airport remains easily accessible for employees and travellers and contributes to resilience. Schiphol is consulting airlines and other stakeholders on user requirements, planning, phasing and costs for the proposed construction projects.

Schiphol aims to produce 90% fewer emissions from airport operations and ground activities by 2030 compared with 2019. This will be achieved through reduced gas use, electric transport and sustainable building practices. The Dutch government aims to reduce aircraft emissions to 2005 levels by 2030, supported by increased use of blended sustainable fuels. Schiphol participates in international alliances, including the TULIPS partnership, to accelerate sustainability innovations at airports.

Collaborating with ground handling companies, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands and airlines, Schiphol is reducing emissions at and around the piers. Initiatives include electrification of vehicles and providing power and air-conditioning for aircraft so engines can remain off while parked. Renovations to Pier C will expand these facilities to all gates. Schiphol has also acquired four electric TaxiBots to tow aircraft, allowing engines to remain off.

The Schiphol Centre Master Plan provides a vision for the airport in 2050. Schiphol Group has also set a strategic plan for 2025 to 2035, built around six pillars: Schiphol returning to the top three European hub airports in terms of quality, balancing operations with the environment and society, improving working conditions, developing regional airports, promoting international cooperation, and maintaining financial robustness.

Read more about the strategy. 

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