KLM Royal Dutch Airlines encountered a perfect storm on Saturday at at Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport. Not only did the weather not cooperate, but emergency runway construction and heavy crowds on a holiday weekend forced the unprecedented decision to deny boarding to passengers across Europe on flights to Amsterdam. Two days later, operations are returning to normal.
After Weekend Meltdown, KLM Operations Returning To Normal At Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
It was a unique weekend in Amsterdam, with KLM deciding on Saturday afternoon to deny boarding to all inbound passengers to Amsterdam on intra-European flights. This was due to congestion in Amsterdam which KLM claimed would have created unsafe conditions for passengers.
Here’s how KLM explained its decision:
KLM would like to stress that the decision to suspend passenger flights to or via Amsterdam on Saturday evening was extremely difficult and one that was not taken lightly. Unforeseen and acute circumstances beyond our control compelled us to intervene in this way. Unfavourable weather conditions combined with runway maintenance at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol led air traffic control to reduce capacity further on Saturday evening. Many aircraft were consequently unable to land in or depart from Amsterdam. This led to a build up of passengers at Schiphol, causing large queues to form. In the interests of guaranteeing safety at Schiphol and maintaining a manageable situation at the airport, it was not possible for KLM to bring passengers to Schiphol in a responsible manner.
KLM operated a reduced scheduled on Sunday and is also operating a reduced scheduled today, due to the Whit Monday holiday (Pentecost). It claims that 90% of passengers have now reached their destination or at least been rebooked.
KLM and other airlines operating from AMS have also been experiencing delays linked to a staffing shortage of security screeners. Those screeners are threatening to strike and KLM have advised passengers to arrive hours earlier than normal to allow for extra screening time. Passengers have also been advised to leave baggage at home, if possible, to expedite security screening.
CONCLUSION
KLM is digging itself out of its operational meltdown on Saturday evening, though is now reporting good progress in getting passengers re-accomodated. Even so, allow yourself extra time today and this week if your journey is originating in Amsterdam or even if you simply connecting through.
Have you flown through AMS today? What was your experience like?
image: KLM / Instagram
Connecting through AMS tomorrow with a 55m layover, hoping for the best…
How do you allow yourself extra time in Amsterdam today if you simply connecting through? Asking for a friend.
Well, KLM is offering free flight changes (at least they said so, with fare difference waved). I meant take an earlier flight.
Hi Matt, I didn’t notice the fare difference waved. KLM/Air France was charging more for me to switch flights. KLM also had flights with additional connections, some of the connecting airports had similar issues with long lines customs, luggage delays. I’m not sure if there is a better option
KLM CEO should be fired. It shows a complete lack of leadership and ability to run a company. Their incompetence is causing huge disruption to passengers lives. Who pays for all costs incurred to passengers that could not get to AMS? I am flying through AMS in July and am starting to look for alternatives.
Well, I took the KLM flight on Saturday, overnight from IAD to AMS, then connecting to another Schengen destination Sunday morning, and me and my luggage did fine. The IAD – AMS flight was a little delayed, causing me to decide to skip the Crown lounge on arrival, but otherwise AMS seemed normal, at least for connections.
I had thought about using the Schiphol travel waiver to change to transit through CDG, but couldn’t get through to them on the phone, so decided to go with the original plan.
I connected through AMS last Sunday via Lisbon. I did try to switch my flight through CDG but I didn’t want to pay the additional costs for the new ticket or downgrade my business class seat. KLM isn’t charging fees to switch but has increased the cost of the flight tickets, switching your flight is not really on option. I had no issues connecting or transiting through passport control, the express lane was open at passport control for short connections. I spent most of my layover at the crown lounge and paid for nap room. The staff at the lounge were amazing and you would never know there was total chaos outside the airport. I think the real issue with AMS is getting your luggage checked and going through security if you are departing. My flight left 20 minutes late and luggage arrived total miracle.
I had a trouble free departure from AMS just before the meltdown. I was hugely impressed by the hand baggage scanners : the belt moved a bit slowly, but one could leave everything in the bag – electronics, laptops and fluids. So much easier than before! No need to take shoes off either.
“Passengers have also been advised to leave baggage at home, if possible, to expedite security screening.”
Not really the most practical advice. Why not just leave the passengers at home as well – will that be their next suggestion?
LOL
Connected through Amsterdam last week and the security line (no passport control again, just getting bags scanned and going into the normal body scanner) took three hours and caused us to miss our connection. We arrived at the boarding gate 5 minutes after the departure time and boarding door was closed but jetbridge was still attached. The gate attendants weren’t willing to do anything.
My advice – do not connect in Amsterdam (or fly KLM)