
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the biggest airports in Europe, serving over 50 million passengers a year. The airport has 90 gates, spread across eight piers (B, C, D, E, F, G, and H/M). These piers are part of three departure halls, which are often referred to as terminals, within a single terminal building. The unique layout of Schiphol allows passengers to walk from one side of the airport to the other, making it a traveller-friendly hub.
What You'll Learn
- Schiphol Airport has 90 gates across eight piers
- Pier D is the largest concourse, with two levels for Schengen and non-Schengen flights
- Piers B, C, M, and a large section of D are used for flights within the Schengen zone
- The A380, the world's largest passenger plane, can only use three gates: G9, E18, and E24
- Schiphol Airport is unique in that it is 4.5 metres below sea level
Schiphol Airport has 90 gates across eight piers
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the biggest airports in Europe. Located 14 kilometres outside of Amsterdam, it serves over 50 million passengers a year, who are travelling to 322 direct worldwide destinations via 108 different airlines. It is also the base of the Dutch national airline, KLM, which is the largest airline group in the world.
The three departure halls are further subdivided into piers: B, C, and D form Departure Hall 1; Pier D is shared with Departure Hall 2, which also houses Pier E; and Departure Hall 3 has Piers F, G, and H/M.
Pier D is the largest AMS concourse, spread across two levels. The first level handles non-Schengen flights (Gates D1-D57), and the upper level the Schengen destinations (Gates D59-D87). Pier E, with its 14 gates, serves Skyteam airlines (Delta, KLM, etc.) and flights to or from non-Schengen countries. Pier F is mainly dedicated to the airlines-members of the Skyteam alliance (KLM, Kenya Airways, etc.) and is kitted with 8 gates. Pier G has 13 gates, and both Piers F and G handle non-Schengen flights.
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Pier D is the largest concourse, with two levels for Schengen and non-Schengen flights
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the biggest airport in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe. It is located 14km outside of Amsterdam and is considered an easy airport to navigate. The airport consists of a single terminal building, which is divided into three zones (departure halls). These zones are further subdivided into piers. Pier D is the largest concourse, with two levels for Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
Pier D is shared by Departure Halls 1 and 2. The first level of Pier D handles non-Schengen flights (gates D1-D57), while the upper level is for Schengen destinations (gates D59-D87). This smart layout allows for a smooth flow of passengers, ensuring that Schengen and non-Schengen travellers remain in their designated sections.
Schengen and non-Schengen areas are separated at Schiphol due to different security and border control requirements. Passengers arriving from or travelling to non-Schengen destinations need to pass through security controls, while those within the Schengen zone can move freely without additional checks.
The ability to accommodate various aircraft types is another crucial aspect of Pier D's functionality. The pier's design enables efficient boarding and disembarkation processes for both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747. This flexibility ensures that Schiphol can handle a diverse range of flights and airlines.
Pier D's size and functionality contribute to Schiphol's reputation as a traveller-friendly aviation hub. The efficient layout of the pier enhances the overall airport experience, making it convenient for passengers to navigate and access their respective gates, regardless of their flight's origin or destination.
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Piers B, C, M, and a large section of D are used for flights within the Schengen zone
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a vast airport with a single terminal building. This terminal is divided into three departure halls, which are further split into piers.
Piers B, C, M, and a large section of Pier D are used for flights within the Schengen zone. The Schengen zone includes destinations such as Barcelona, where travellers can move freely without border controls. This means that once in the zone, passengers can move around without needing to go through passport and border checks.
Pier B has 14 gates, while Pier C has 21. Pier D is the largest concourse at the airport, spread across two levels. The first level handles non-Schengen flights (gates D1-D57), while the upper level is for Schengen destinations (gates D59-D87).
Piers B, C, and D form Departure Hall 1, which offers passengers a premium travelling experience with more checkpoints, spacious waiting areas, and high-tech features.
The Schiphol Airport Departure Halls serve Amsterdam Airport's needs, with each pier subdivided into different sections. The ground floor houses arrivals, while departures are located on Level 1. Level 2 hosts lounges and dining options, and the Panorama Terrace is on the top floor.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, constantly needing optimisation and expansion to accommodate passenger traffic. The single-terminal layout aids quick gate walks, with passengers able to walk between gates and avoid long wait times for transfers.
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The A380, the world's largest passenger plane, can only use three gates: G9, E18, and E24
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe and worldwide. It is a vast airport with a single terminal building, which is split into three departure halls or zones. These are further divided into piers, with eight piers in total: B, C, D, E, F, G, and H/M.
The A380 is the world's largest passenger plane, accommodating over 500 passengers. Due to its size, it can only use three gates at Schiphol Airport: G9, E18, and E24. These gates have been modified to accommodate the A380, with adjustments to the platform, taxiway, and the addition of an extra aviobridge for boarding and disembarking.
The assignment of gates at Schiphol is determined by gate planners, who work 24 hours a day in the Air Traffic Control Tower. They consider various factors, including the aircraft's size, the origin and destination of the flight, and the duration of its stay at the airport.
Schiphol Airport is designed to be user-friendly, with a "one-terminal concept" that makes it easy for travellers to navigate. The airport also features a large pre-security shopping centre called Schiphol Plaza, lounges, and dining options.
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Schiphol Airport is unique in that it is 4.5 metres below sea level
The airport is located 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam and is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is one of the biggest airports in Europe, serving over 50 million passengers a year, with six runways and 90 gates.
The name Schiphol has several possible origins, with one theory suggesting it refers to a ''ship hole,', referencing the many ships that were lost in the lake on which the airport is now built. Before 1852, the entire polder of Haarlemmermeer, where the airport is located, was a large lake.
Schiphol Airport offers a unique experience for travellers, with plenty of amenities and attractions to explore. It is known for its convenience and ease of navigation, with a 'one-terminal concept' that makes it a traveller-friendly hub. The airport also boasts an impressive array of facilities, including free Wi-Fi, a meditation centre, and the world's first airport library, which opened in 2010.
In addition to its functional and recreational offerings, Schiphol Airport also features interesting artwork, such as the Schiphol clock by Maarten Baas, where a man behind a translucent screen appears to paint the minutes of an analog clock by hand.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 90 gates at Schiphol Airport.
Efficient signposting and ground staff guide passengers from the moment they enter the terminal. If you need to cover large distances to your departure gate, transportation can be requested.
A gate planner decides where your plane will be parked. They work 24 hours a day from the Air Traffic Control Tower to ensure every aircraft is designated a spot. The first decision about where to park is based on the flight's point of origin and its onward destination.