Netherlands’s Schiphol Airport has launched a compensation programme for travelers who missed their flights because of lengthy delays that have plagued the busy European hub for months.
Schiphol’s announcement Thursday night heads off a possible mass claim for compensation by passengers who saw their holiday plans evaporate amid hourslong queues for security screening, reports AP.
The Dutch airport was one of several across Europe, including London’s Heathrow airport, that was plunged into chaos by staff shortages and soaring demand as air travel rebounded strongly from two years of COVID-19 restrictions.
Airlines and airports cut jobs during the pandemic, making it difficult to quickly ramp back up to serve the new burst of travelers.
In a statement, Schiphol CEO Dick Benschop said, “A lot of people have really been looking forward to their holidays abroad, especially after two years of COVID-19 pandemic. We’re extremely sorry that some people have missed their flight due to the long security control queue.
“During these special times and circumstances, we must not let these people fall through the cracks,” he added.
The compensation programme is for people booked to fly from April 23 to August 11 who arrived at Schiphol on time but missed their flight because they were stuck in a queue. It covers costs including rebooking a flight or booking a replacement flight, extra travel costs and accommodation, transport and activities booked at the travelers’ destination.
Schiphol did not say how much the compensation programme would cost the airport.
The Dutch Consumers’ Association welcomed the compensation plan.
