Amsterdam Airport Delays: What You Need To Know

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe's busiest airports, with more than 52 million passengers passing through each year. In 2023, 2.11% of all scheduled flights were cancelled, while 0.43% experienced delays. On 5 January 2025, there were delays and cancellations due to winter weather conditions. Amsterdam Airport has also been impacted by increasingly turbulent weather, with electrical storms in the summer causing regular flight disruptions.

Turbulent weather and electrical storms cause delays

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe's busiest airports, with more than 52 million passengers passing through each year. The airport is a hub for Dutch airline KLM and Delta Air Lines, with over 91 airlines using the airport to travel to 300 destinations.

Turbulent weather and electrical storms are causing increasing problems at Amsterdam Airport, leading to regular flight delays and cancellations. The summer months are particularly affected by electrical storms, which can cause the airport to shut down due to the risk of lightning strikes to ground crew. With weather systems across Europe experiencing a rise in storm activity, delays due to bad weather are likely to become more frequent.

Winter weather conditions can also cause delays and cancellations, as seen on 5 January when adverse weather impacted the airport's operations.

Amsterdam Airport's location is unique, with its lowest point being eleven feet below sea level, making it one of the lowest commercial airports globally. Its control tower, at 331 feet tall, is one of the tallest in the world. The airport's name, Schiphol, translates as 'Ship Grave', referencing the history of the land, which was reclaimed from the sea and known for grounding ships during storms.

Passengers experiencing delays or cancellations due to turbulent weather and electrical storms may be entitled to compensation or ticket reimbursement under EU law.

Check-in and security wait times

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe's busiest airports, with more than 52 million passengers passing through each year. It is the main hub for Dutch airline KLM and a European hub for Delta Air Lines. More than 91 airlines use the airport, travelling to over 300 destinations.

Amsterdam Airport offers online check-in, which is the fastest option for most travellers, especially if you are travelling with hand luggage only. The Schiphol website recommends that you arrive at the departure hall when your check-in desk opens. If you are travelling with hold baggage or have not checked in online, consult your airline regarding the check-in desk opening time.

If you are travelling with hand luggage only and have already checked in online, there is no point in arriving earlier than the time your check-in desk opens. You can also check in at the self-service kiosks and drop-off areas with a couple of airlines.

The Schiphol website warns that you will have to wait a while at security. The airport has recently introduced CT scans, which means you can leave liquids and electronics in your hand luggage at the security check. However, it is still recommended that you pack liquids and gels in your hold baggage and only bring bottles or containers of up to 100ml in a transparent, resealable 1-litre bag in your hand luggage.

One review of the airport on Flightradar24.com states that it is "clean, beautiful, and [has] amazing amenities". However, the reviewer also notes "constant ATC problems and delays" and that "connections are always a problem".

Strikes at the airport

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is currently experiencing delays and cancellations due to winter weather conditions. While the airport has not released a statement regarding the delays, it is recommended that travellers check their flight status and allow for extra time when travelling to the airport.

Historically, strikes have been a common cause of delays and cancellations at Schiphol Airport. For example, in April 2022, an unannounced strike by ground staff caused chaos and led to the airport urging travellers to stay away. The strike was in relation to demands for higher pay and better working conditions for baggage handlers. Similarly, in August 2019, a strike by ground staff for the Dutch arm of Air France KLM SA caused disruptions to multiple airlines, including KLM, Air France, Transavia, and Delta.

To avoid delays and cancellations due to strikes, it is recommended that travellers check for any industrial actions before travelling to the airport. This can be done by checking the airport's website, as well as the websites of their respective airlines. Additionally, signing up for flight status alerts can help travellers stay updated on any changes to their flight status.

In the event of a strike, Schiphol Airport may release a statement advising travellers to avoid the airport altogether. It is important for travellers to follow these recommendations to ensure their safety and avoid further complications. While the airport may still allow passengers to enter, they can expect long waiting times and additional delays or cancellations.

To minimise the impact of strikes on their travel plans, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Additionally, online check-in and self-service baggage drop-off options can help streamline the process and reduce waiting times. By staying informed and allowing for extra time, travellers can effectively navigate potential delays caused by strikes or other unforeseen events.

Delays due to high flight volume

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe's busiest airports, with more than 52 million passengers passing through each year. It is a hub for several major airlines, including Dutch airline KLM and Delta Air Lines, with over 91 airlines using the airport to travel to 300 destinations. As such a major transport hub, the airport is prone to delays due to high flight volume.

You can also download the Schiphol app, which will allow you to follow your flight and access your itinerary easily. This can help you stay up-to-date with any changes to your flight's schedule and better prepare for any delays. Additionally, online check-in is often the fastest option, especially if you are travelling with hand luggage only and the airport is busy. Self-service check-in kiosks and baggage drop-off areas can also help streamline the process and save time.

Finally, it is worth noting that Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has a range of amenities to help you pass the time if you do experience delays. These include lounges, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and even a play area for children. So, while delays due to high flight volume may be an occasional inconvenience, there are ways to manage and mitigate their impact on your journey.

Historical delay status

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of Europe's busiest airports, with more than 52 million passengers passing through each year. The airport is a hub for Dutch airline KLM and Delta Air Lines, with over 91 airlines using the airport to travel to 300 destinations.

In 2023, a total of 220,806 flights were scheduled to depart from Amsterdam Airport. Of these, 4,662 flights were cancelled, representing 2.11% of all scheduled flights. In addition, 944 flights were delayed, accounting for 0.43% of the total.

The airport's performance in 2023 showcases a high level of airline activity with varying degrees of operational challenges. The most active carrier was KLM, which operated a total of 59,756 flights with 1,355 cancellations and 152 delays. This reflects a robust operational capacity with a moderate rate of cancellations and minimal delays.

On 5 January 2025, there were delays and cancellations at the airport due to winter weather conditions. Amsterdam Airport has also experienced delays and cancellations due to increasingly turbulent weather and electrical storms during the summer months. When excessively bad weather hits the area, the airport must shut down as the risk to ground crew from lightning strikes makes working outside too dangerous.

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