Our profile conveys who we are
On 19 September 1916, the first military aircraft landed on an area of reclaimed land following the draining of the Haarlemmermeer polder. This marked the beginning of Schiphol's status as a military airfield. KLM's first passenger flights in 1920 began the process of transforming Schiphol from a military airfield into a civil airport.
The operation of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main activitiy of Royal Schiphol Group. In addition, we own and operate both Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Lelystad Airport and hold a majority share in Eindhoven Airport. We also have a share in and/or collaborate closely with a broad range of international airports.
Important social and economic value
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the aviation sector. In 2020 our Dutch airports welcomed 23.5 million passengers (2019: 80.5 million) and processed 1.44 million tonnes of cargo (2019: 1.57 million tonnes). Schiphol connects the Netherlands with 316 direct destinations. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in 2020 was the fourth largest airport in Europe in passenger volumes – behind Istanbul, Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow. In cargo volumes we are number three in Europa.The ambition of Schiphol Group is to create the world’s most sustainable, high quality airports.
Cooperation is vital to our success
Connecting the Netherlands is not a task we can perform on our own. We work in association with sector partners such as airlines, ground handlers, air traffic controllers, Customs and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. In collaboration with public transport companies, government bodies and our business partners, we have developed our airports into efficient hubs and attractive visitor and work locations.
Sustainability as a common thread in everything we do
Sustainability is crucial to our future-proofing and our day-to-day business operations. By 2030, Schiphol aims to be a zero-waste and zero-emissions airport. Quality of Life is one of the three strategic pillars of our Vision 2050.
We are conscious of the impact of our aviation activities. Together with our stakeholders we constantly work on minimising any inconvenience and continue to invest in improving the quality of life in the region. We seek innovative solutions that further boost sustainability and safeguard our long-term position as a mainport.
Awards and accolades
In 2020, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol received awards in a variety of areas.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
- Skytrax World Airport Awards: Best Airport in Western Europe in 2019. Schiphol also was awarded for the best website and digital services.
- Business Traveller UK: Best European Airport (31th consecutive year)
- Global Traveler Award USA: Best airport in Europe (3rd consecutive year)
- Canadian Travel Agents’ Choice Awards: Favourite International Airport (16th consecutive year)
- Asian Freight Logistics and Supply Chain Awards: Best Airport Europe
- Trazee Travel: Favorite Airport in Europe