One of the World’s Best-Connected Hubs Is Spending €10 Billion to Fix Its Basics

Aviation Week reports that Amsterdam Schiphol plans to invest €10 billion (about $11.2 billion) through 2035 to overhaul aging infrastructure and restore a smoother passenger experience. The airport handled 66.8 million passengers in 2025 and expects about 69 million this year.

The nearest visible change is the new A-pier, due to open in April 2027 with 11 stands and capacity for about seven million passengers a year. Plans also include renovated piers, upgraded baggage systems, a proposed Terminal South and refurbished lounges, with Lounge 1 already finished.

Schiphol says it invested a record €801 million in the first half of 2026. Aviation Week also notes the airport raised charges to cover a maintenance backlog, offered temporary discounts to help airlines with fuel costs, and says no further tariff increases are planned through 2030.

Amsterdam ranks third in OAG’s 2026 Megahubs list for international connectivity, behind Istanbul and London Heathrow. For connecting travelers, the investment is aimed at the unglamorous essentials: faster transfers, working baggage systems and fewer cluttered walks.

Sources: Aviation Week, Business Travel News Europe