Jazmin Li
The Netherlands, often referred to as Holland, is a European country known for its flat topography, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities. It is home to several airports that serve as international, domestic, and military bases, with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol being the largest and the third-largest in Europe. In this article, we will explore the different airports located in Holland, their unique features, and how they cater to travellers from around the world.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport
Schiphol Airport is the third-largest airport in Europe and the main international airport in the Netherlands. It is one of the major hubs for the SkyTeam airline alliance and home to many intercontinental airlines such as KLM, Transavia, Amsterdam Airlines, and Martinir. The airport has six runways, with one primarily serving general aviation aircraft, and there are plans to construct a seventh runway. Schiphol Airport is the third busiest airport in Europe by international passenger traffic, handling over 70 million passengers annually. In 2019, the airport served a record 71,706,999 passengers, with 70.5% flying to and from Europe, 10.6% to and from North America, and 10.1% to and from Asia.
The airport offers a range of facilities and services, including relaxation zones, business facilities such as office equipment rental and secretarial services, and a communication centre with internet access, mini-offices, and a post office. The Skyport business centre provides meeting rooms that can accommodate 2 to 22 delegates. Schiphol Plaza and the terminal feature a wide range of shops, including duty-free options for travellers.
Schiphol Airport is easily accessible by various transportation options. The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the national Dutch train operator, provides 24-hour train services directly underneath the passenger terminal complex, connecting the airport to major cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Additionally, travellers can opt for shared car rides or rental cars to reach the centre of Amsterdam from the airport.
Arriving Early: Navigating Airport Timing Stress-Free
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rotterdam The Hague Airport
The airport experienced significant growth in the 2010s, with passenger numbers doubling from 1,000,858 in 2010 to 2,133,976 in 2019. Most flights today are operated by smaller mainline jets such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series or the Embraer 190. The airport also accommodates a fair amount of business aviation.
After World War II, the Dutch government decided that a second national airport was needed in addition to Schiphol. Rotterdam had an airport before the war, Waalhaven airport, but it was heavily damaged in the German bombing of Rotterdam and later completely destroyed. As a result, a new airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, was established to serve the region.
Booking an Airport Limousine Bus: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Maastricht Aachen Airport
The history of Maastricht Aachen Airport dates back to the early 20th century, with plans for an airport in southern Limburg as early as 1919. However, debates over funding and location delayed its construction. The airport finally came into operation after World War II, when the first civilian aircraft landed in September 1945, operated by the Regeeringsvliegdienst, a government service for transporting officials and others with urgent business due to the war-damaged roads and railroads. The first semi-permanent airport terminal was completed in 1947.
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the airport expanded its commercial operations significantly, with operators including KLM, Airnautical, Skytours, Euravia, Tradair, and Transair. It also served as an intermediate stop for services from London and Manchester to various European destinations. In 1966, NLM CityHopper began operating a service between Maastricht and Amsterdam Schiphol, further integrating the airport into the Dutch aviation network.
In 1992, the Belgian town of Tongeren became a shareholder of the airport, and two years later, the chamber of commerce of the German city of Aachen followed suit, leading to the airport's name change to "Maastricht-Aachen Airport" in October 1994. The airport was fully privatised in 2004 when OmDV, a consortium of airport investment and construction companies, acquired a 100% share. Since then, substantial investments have been made in the airport's infrastructure, including the resurfacing and renaming of the main runway to compensate for changes in the Earth's magnetic field.
Today, Maastricht Aachen Airport continues to serve as an important regional passenger and cargo hub in the Netherlands, connecting the country with various destinations across Europe and beyond.
Clear Security: US Airports Leading the Way
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Eindhoven Airport
The airport was founded in 1932 as a grass strip called Vliegveld Welschap (Welschap Airfield). In 1939, the airfield was acquired for use by the Air Force, due to growing concerns about a potential military conflict with Germany. The Germans quickly captured the airfield during the Battle of the Netherlands and renamed it Fliegerhorst Eindhoven. The Germans expanded the airfield, adding three paved runways and constructing numerous hangars and support buildings. During the Cold War, Eindhoven was a military transport base, and it has been the location of the European Air Transport Command since 2010.
On the civilian side, the airport has continued to grow. In 1984, a terminal building for civilian air traffic was constructed, and in 2012, work began to further expand the airport. A new terminal extension is planned to be built from 2025, which will expand the terminal from 27,300 square metres (294,000 sq ft) to 35,000 square metres (380,000 sq ft).
The airport has a range of passenger facilities, including an exchange office, lost property office, luggage lockers, a baby changing area, a health centre, and various shops and restaurants. There are also 1,500 parking spaces available for long and short-term parking.
Airports and COVID Testing: What's the Protocol?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Den Helder Airport
The Netherlands is home to 16 airports serving as international, domestic, and military bases. One of these airports is Den Helder Airport (DHR/EHKD), which is located at Luchthavenweg 10, 1786 PP Den Helder, Netherlands. Den Helder Airport is 6.2 km away from the city.
Historically, a seaplane base existed nearby on the south side of Texel. However, the Royal Netherlands Navy, whose primary base was and still is located in Den Helder, required an airport for conventional aircraft as well. Thus, Den Helder Airport was constructed in 1918. During World War II, the airport came under German control and was renamed Fliegerhorst De Kooy. It suffered heavy damage during the war, despite the construction of heavy anti-aircraft defences in the area. After the war, the airport was repaired, and in 1960, a concrete runway was constructed, replacing the base's previous grass field.
With the retirement of the last aircraft carrier operated by the Dutch navy, the HNLMS Karel Doorman, in 1968, the navy started to replace its fixed-wing aircraft based at De Kooy with helicopters. Today, the airport is considering alternative markets, such as business and holiday flights, as the oil fields in the North Sea will eventually be depleted, causing a loss in helicopter movements.
Airport Scanners: Are They Safe for Food?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the largest airport in Holland and the third-largest in Europe.
Smaller airports in Holland include Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Groningen Airport Eelde, Eindhoven Airport, and Maastricht Aachen Airport.
Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport has been recognised as one of the best airports for long layovers. The airport has an in-house library and museums, as well as free Wi-Fi, lounges, and porter services.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport is a good option for cheap flights and is less crowded than Schiphol. Eindhoven Airport is also a hub for several low-price carriers, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Transavia.
