Schiphol is carrying out construction and renovation work in many areas in order to continue to improve the quality, service and safety of the airport. This work is taking place while the airport remains in operation around the clock as usual. The capacity available to airlines and passengers is, and will continue to be, unaffected by this construction work. Still, the work may be visible to those who visit Schiphol. An update on four current construction projects is provided below.
Published on: 18 April 2019
New Pier A
Schiphol has been working on a new pier for some time now. In March 2018, Schiphol revealed the first images of its new pier and construction has progressed since then. The basic structure of the new pier is now clearly visible. This pier will offer maximum flexibility of use due to aspects including the presence of border inspection facilities and security filters. These facilities will enable the pier to accommodate all types of passengers: Schengen, Non-Schengen, screened and non-screened. The pier was originally scheduled to be taken into operation at the end of 2019, but this has been rescheduled to December 2020.
More space and service in Departure Hall and Departure Lounge 1
In order to provide sufficient space for all passengers in Departure Hall 1, for flights to Schengen countries, Schiphol is adding an additional storey to the hall. This so-called mezzanine level will house the security lanes, as is the case in Departure Halls 2 & 3. Schiphol will immediately expand the number of lanes and equip each one with a CT scanner. The mezzanine in Departure Hall 1 will be connected to that in Departure Hall 2 to create a combined space with 35 security lanes. The additional level will also free up more space for the check-in area on the ground floor.
In order to realise the security lanes on the 1st floor, the Business Class lounges have been moved up one floor and expanded at the same time. Schiphol is also enlarging the shopping, dining and passenger area in Departure Lounge 1. Construction of the mezzanine is proceeding according to schedule. The plan is to take the new areas into use in mid-2020.
Expansion of Apron U
Due in part to the fact that the maximum number of air transport movements at Schiphol has been reached, airlines are choosing to deploy larger and larger aircraft. However, the number of gates that can accommodate these wide-body aircraft is limited. It is therefore possible that one or more wide-bodies will have to be temporarily parked if there is no room at the gate. With the expansion of Apron U, Schiphol intends – between now and 2020 – to increase the number of parking spaces for this type of aircraft to 11.
Quebec double taxiway
With the exception of the Quebec taxiway, the terminal complex is surrounded by a system of double taxiways for taxiing aircraft. With the construction of a second viaduct over the A4 motorway, Quebec will become a double taxiway as well. As a result, two aircraft taxiing in opposite directions will be able to make simultaneous use of Quebec, without the need to wait on one another. This will increase the capacity and flexibility of ground operations, while enhancing the safety of those operations as well. A double taxiway offers these benefits because it will simplify the task of air traffic control. The work is proceeding according to schedule. The new taxiway will be built in phases; the result of the first phase is scheduled to be taken into use in 2021.
