If you’re a frequent flyer who passes through Schiphol, you’ll be happy to know that the airport ranks on top — for how expensive its fees and levies are.
According to research that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management commissions annually from SEO Economisch Onderzoek, only London Heathrow is more expensive, giving Schiphol first place within the EU.
This is quite the jump for the airport, Transport Online reports. In just 2019, Schiphol found itself in 12th place out of 13 airports examined, so what happened?
Why is it so expensive now?
The study says the cause comes down to two reasons: the competitive position of the airport, and increasing cost pressure on the Dutch aviation sector.
For example, Schiphol imposes differentiated aviation taxes on flights. This as a result, could push passengers and airlines to other airports, the report warns.
However, the cabinet doesn’t believe this, Transport Online reports.
It’s now hoping to establish harmonised European legislation which would see all EU airports impose the same aviation tax. It’s also reducing its high rate of aviation tax for long-haul flights in 2027.
Actually, passenger numbers will grow, the cabinet says
While the study also finds that the Netherlands could have missed out on billions of euros in economic activity due to the higher aviation tax and flight restrictions at Schiphol, the Cabinet does not recognise this conclusion.
According to Transport Online, the number of foreign tourists coming to the Netherlands continues to increase, up 11% in 2025 compared to 2019.
In the coming years, the effects of such high aviation tax will be examined, with the number of travellers diverting to other airports also being considered.
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