Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has unveiled an ambitious €10 billion investment programme to build a more efficient, sustainable, and traveller-centred hub, with construction planned until 2050. This extensive, long-term project aims to establish the Dutch airport as a top-tier European travel centre, preparing it for larger aircraft, improving passenger comfort while transitioning to greener operations.
In 2024, Schiphol was the fourth busiest European airport, behind London Heathrow, Istanbul, and Paris Charles de Gaulle. It recorded just over 40 million scheduled departures and 66.8 million passengers (three times the population of the Netherlands).
Peter van Oord, the airline’s CEO, summed up his vision for the airport’s future in two words: “quality and balance.” He explained, “For more than a century, Schiphol has been a home for world travellers, a hub for goods, and a cornerstone of our economy. We aim to maintain and strengthen that position, while contributing to the progress of the Netherlands.”
For more than a century, Schiphol has been a home for world travellers, a hub for goods and a cornerstone of our economy. With our plans for the future, we want to maintain and strengthen that position and contribute to the progress of the Netherlands. Our future can be summed up… pic.twitter.com/gyFcw0eVZB
— Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (@Schiphol) November 21, 2025
A key focus will be on reducing noise and environmental impact while maintaining the airport’s financial and operational robustness.
Officials acknowledge that the current terminal layout no longer meets demand, resulting in congestion and an inconsistent passenger experience. The renovation will provide additional space, increase automation, and upgrade the underground baggage system, all while ensuring the airport remains fully operational throughout the works.
At the heart of the plan lies the Schiphol Centre Master Plan, which features a new South Terminal designed to provide “light, space, and peace and quiet,” while maintaining Schiphol’s distinctive one-roof concept, ensuring that all facilities remain within walking distance. Existing piers will be renovated in phases: some will be modernised, and older, less efficient structures will be replaced with wider, more sustainable piers that can handle larger aircraft.
Catering areas, shops, lounges, and relaxation zones will also be redesigned. The revamped Lounge 1 offers a glimpse of what travellers can expect once the airport-wide refurbishment is complete.
Accessibility will be significantly improved. Roads in and around the airport will be reconfigured, and public transport connections will be expanded to include a planned metro line linking Amsterdam, Schiphol, and Hoofddorp. The airport will also introduce Taxibots to allow aircraft to taxi without using their engines.
Schiphol aims to reduce its own emissions by 90% by 2030 compared to 2019. This will be achieved by electrifying ground transport, installing air-conditioning facilities at the piers to allow aircraft engines to be switched off, and ensuring that all new structures are built to the latest sustainability standards. Aircraft emissions are expected to fall to 2005 levels by 2030 through the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel. However, in recent years, the airport has faced criticism for seeking to impose flight caps related to noise and emissions, highlighting the need for innovative changes to achieve its green goals.
Meeting these requirements while maintaining capacity will require further streamlining of baggage handling and other airside operations through the use of robotics and automation. The airport is working closely with ground handlers, Air Traffic Control in the Netherlands, and airlines to reduce emissions around the piers.
Through these new initiatives, Schiphol aims to redefine its role as a key contributor to the nation’s future economy and sustainable development.
The airport’s owner and operator, Royal Schiphol Group, also plans to invest several hundred million euros in regional and overseas airports to diversify its revenues. Around two-thirds of Schiphol’s investments will be funded through airport fees, which are expected to increase by 37% over the next three years.
