Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport welcomed 61.7 million travelers in 2023, an 18% increase from 2022 but still 14% below pre-pandemic levels.
According to its press release on January 5th, the airport connected the Netherlands to 305 destinations, including seven new routes.
However, 16 destinations were discontinued, mostly in Russia and Ukraine.
Schiphol’s Strong Recovery
Of the nearly 62 million passengers at Schiphol, 39.1 million were direct travelers, while over 11 million were transfer passengers.
Total aircraft movements grew 11% to 441,963.
Schiphol saw growth in destinations across Europe and intercontinental routes.
The UK, Spain, and the US remained the most popular destinations.
Regional Airports Hit Historic Highs
Eindhoven Airport reached a record 6.8 million passengers in 2023, up 8% over 2022.
This tops its previous high of 6.7 million passengers in 2019.
Aircraft movements also rose 3% to 41,496.
However, served destinations decreased from 87 to 84.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport similarly hit new heights, serving 2.2 million passengers in 2023.
This represented 6% passenger growth over pre-pandemic levels.
Aircraft movements were 16,191, up 3% from 2022 but down 3% from 2019.
ETIAS System to Manage Visitor Growth
The continued rebound in passenger traffic across Dutch airports has implications for the upcoming entry/exit system (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Once launched in May 2025, the ETIAS will require pre-travel clearance for visitors from over 60 countries outside the EU/Schengen Area.
With Dutch airports serving as a major gateway for intercontinental travelers, efficient ETIAS processing will be critical.
As Schiphol recovers more long-haul routes, authorities must ensure enough capacity to avoid deterring legitimate visitors.
The system’s risk assessment checks should maximize security without unduly limiting tourism and business travel.
Shaping Future Immigration Policy
Rising passenger volumes also relate to immigration policy, especially regarding non-EU migrants.
As airports facilitate more transcontinental families, workers, and students, the government may reassess visa rules and requirements.
Entry flows could influence both short-term Schengen visas and longer-term permits targeting investors, digital nomads, and skilled immigrants.
Moreover, expanded airport capacity may shape public sentiment on immigration.
Handling recent growth smoothly can demonstrate the economic benefits of strategic migration policies.
However, persistent congestion or delays could inflame anti-immigrant views.
Thus, infrastructure and efficiency investments form part of the immigration policy debate.
The Outlook for 2024
With much of the pandemic disruption in the rearview mirror, Dutch airports can focus on continuing their rebound.
However, geopolitical events and a potential economic slowdown could dampen growth projections.
Still, investments into capacity and efficiency can help drive further records at regional airports like Eindhoven and Rotterdam.
For Schiphol, the key will be recovering more intercontinental and transfer traffic, where volumes still lag in 2019.
After a turbulent 2022, the airport will be aiming for an incident-free 2024.