KLM CEO Criticizes Schiphol Airport’s 41% Fee Hike, Citing Heavy Impact on Travelers and Aviation Sector

Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM, publicly criticized Schiphol International Airport’s decision to increase fees by 41% in 2025, describing it as having significant repercussions for both passengers and the broader aviation industry. Rintel highlighted that this upcoming fee hike follows a 40% tariff increase over the last three years, now positioning Schiphol as Europe’s second most expensive airport. This adjustment is part of the airport’s multi-year plan to drive additional revenue.

Over the next three years, Schiphol plans a cumulative 37% fee rise, with the increases structured as follows:

• A 41% hike in 2025
• A 5% increase in 2026
• A 7.5% decrease in 2027

By 2027, these adjustments will mean an average increase of €15 per departing passenger compared to current rates. Schiphol has cited several reasons for the adjustments, including recovering from pandemic losses, financing €6 billion in infrastructure upgrades, managing inflation and interest rates, investing in sustainability, and enhancing service quality and working conditions.

Rintel expressed concern that the burden of these costs largely falls on travelers, arguing that AMS is passing the expense of setbacks and budget overruns directly to passengers, which she considers unreasonable and potentially harmful to Schiphol’s standing as an international hub. KLM, while acknowledging the importance of improving service and infrastructure, maintains that the fee increases could negatively affect both airlines and their customers, ultimately undermining AMS’s competitiveness.

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