Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) – Overview
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the primary international airport of the Netherlands and is located just southwest of Amsterdam. Established in 1916, Schiphol has grown to become one of Europe’s busiest and most important aviation hubs. The airport serves as a major gateway for both passenger and cargo traffic, connecting the Netherlands to over 300 destinations worldwide. Schiphol is renowned for its modern facilities, efficient operations, and extensive shopping and dining options. The airport features a single terminal concept with three large departure halls, making it easy for travelers to navigate. Schiphol is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and passenger comfort, regularly ranking high in global airport surveys. Its strategic location and excellent ground transport links make it an ideal entry point to Amsterdam and the wider region.
Air traffic-wise, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol ranks as the third busiest airport in Europe by passenger volume, following London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Globally, Schiphol consistently appears in the top 20 busiest airports. The airport’s main airlines include KLM, Etihad Airways, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and British Airways. The local time zone is Central European Time (CET, UTC+1), with daylight saving time applied in summer (CEST, UTC+2). Schiphol is situated approximately 17 kilometers (about 10 miles) from Amsterdam city center, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Location, Nearby Areas, and Transport
Schiphol is conveniently located near several key Dutch cities. Besides Amsterdam, the closest city centers include Haarlem (13 km), Hoofddorp (6 km), and Amstelveen (11 km). Travelers can reach the heart of Amsterdam in approximately 15-20 minutes by train. The airport is directly connected to the Dutch railway network, with frequent trains running from the Schiphol Airport station to Amsterdam Central Station and other major cities. Additional transport options include buses, airport shuttles, taxis, and car rentals. The well-organized ground transportation ensures smooth movement to and from the airport, whether you are heading to Amsterdam or exploring the wider region.
Terminals and Airlines
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol operates with a single terminal building, divided into three main departure halls: Departure Hall 1, 2, and 3. This unique layout allows for easy transfers between flights and minimizes confusion for passengers.
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Departure Hall 1: Serves most KLM Schengen flights and partner airlines operating within the Schengen Area.
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Departure Hall 2: Handles flights for KLM non-Schengen, Air France, and SkyTeam partners.
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Departure Hall 3: Caters to most non-SkyTeam international airlines, including Etihad Airways, Emirates, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and others.
For more details, visit the official Schiphol Airport website.
Air Passenger Rights at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
If your flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has been delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly known as EU 261 or EC 261). This regulation protects passengers travelling from any EU airport, including Schiphol, or arriving at an EU airport with an EU-based airline. If your flight originated outside the EU but landed at Schiphol with a European carrier, you are also covered by these rights.
Under EU 261, compensation is possible if your flight was delayed by three hours or more, cancelled without proper notice, or if you were denied boarding due to overbooking. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance:
- For flights up to 1,500 km: up to €250 per passenger
- For flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: up to €400 per passenger
- For flights over 3,500 km: up to €600 per passenger
Compensation claims apply if the disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, or security threats. For cancelled flights, you are entitled to re-routing or a full refund, as well as care (meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation if needed) during your wait.
To be eligible, your disrupted flight must have departed from an EU airport like Schiphol, or arrived at Schiphol on an EU airline from a non-EU country. If your flight was cancelled or delayed, gather your flight number, booking details, and keep your boarding pass and communications from the airline.
How Voos Can Assist with Your Compensation Claim
If your flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol was delayed or cancelled, Voos can review your claim and, if eligible, pursue it with the airline on your behalf. Our service is risk-free – fees are only charged if your claim is successful. Depending on your specific case, compensation of up to €600 per person may be possible.
- Gather your flight number and booking details
- Keep your boarding pass or e-ticket
- Document communications with the airline
- Check your eligibility for compensation today
Don’t miss out on your rights – check if you are eligible for compensation for your delayed or cancelled flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Voos makes claiming easy, transparent, and efficient.
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