Construction schedule at Schiphol Airport adjusted due to COVID-19

COVID-19 has created a unique situation around the globe, within the Netherlands, in the aviation sector and, subsequently, at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). In addition to a drastic fall in passenger demand, the virus has also affected the timing of construction projects and maintenance work at the airport.

The reduction in the number of air transport movements and passengers has made time and space available to improve maintenance works, as well as project efficiency, in the terminal and on the apron and taxiways. However, Schiphol has had to cut costs and achieve an optimal balance between short-term investments and the need for capacity in the future.

As result, the airport consolidated its operations into ‘Core Schiphol’, operating only necessary infrastructure. The Core Schiphol scenario has led to the identification of 180 opportunities to complete maintenance work, as well as certain project elements that can be completed sooner and more efficiently in a two-month period.

Since the consolidation of Schiphol into Core Schiphol, a large part of the airport has been out of service. This scenario has paved the way for work to be completed in a shorter time frame, without any disruption to passengers. Examples include:

• Scheduled maintenance to the drop-off road is being undertaken – the work that could have had a major impact on traffic flows at Schiphol is being carried out now instead of in the spring of 2020, as previously scheduled. This work will be completed in May 2020, with the finishing touches that will be necessary in the autumn not set to disrupt traffic
• The number of security lanes in Departure Hall 4 will be increased from five to six and a new CT scan will be installed in each lane. While the original completion date for this project was approximately September 2020, the date has now been brought forward to mid-May 2020
• Schiphol is bringing forward the maintenance work to the drinking water supply in Departure Hall 3 and Departure Lounge 3. To this end, it will temporarily shut off the entire drinking water supply in the specified area. Given the current situation, the work can be done now, minimising the disturbance to passengers
• Maintenance work will be performed on three aircraft stands, which will involve the pouring of new concrete.

Progress on the construction of the new pier and terminal

Construction of the new pier is now fully underway and will go ahead as planned. The current tendering procedure for the new terminal will be broken down into a number of phases. While the original award date of June 2020 will be postponed to a later date, Schiphol is set to develop various scenarios with the impact of COVID-19 in mind.

Redevelopment of Schiphol Departure Hall 1 and Departure Lounge 1

Work to create more space for check in and security in Departure Hall 1 has now reached an advanced stage; it is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2021. The first new security lines will be put into operation in the second half of 2020. Work is currently under way on a design for Lounge 1, which was due to have been completed in 2020. The timing of the construction and renovation of Lounge 1 will be reconsidered on the basis of post-pandemic recovery scenarios, as well as forecasts for the aviation sector.

Completion of the double taxiway

With the exception of the Quebec taxiway, the terminal complex is surrounded by a system of double taxiways for taxiing aircraft. With the construction of a second viaduct over the A4 motorway, the Quebec taxiway will also become a double taxiway. Work on the double taxiway project will be completed in a number of phases. The first phase – the construction of a second viaduct – will go ahead as scheduled. However, the work necessary for the other phases will be delayed.