27 May 2022 | 11:49 AM UTC
Netherlands: KLM suspends ticket sales for flights from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol until May 30 due to airport disruptions /update 1
KLM suspends ticket sales for flights from Schiphol Airport, Netherlands, until May 30 due to disruptions.
Event
KLM officials announced that the airline would suspend selling tickets for flights departing Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) until May 30 due to overcrowding and staff shortages at the airport. The issue had previously caused AMS officials to request that airlines cease taking reservations between April 29 and May 8. Airline or airport officials may reinstate such measures over the coming weeks and months should issues not be resolved.
Disruptions at AMS are likely to continue through at least the end of June, as the airport struggles with increased passenger traffic and staff shortages. Thousands of flights have been delayed or canceled in recent weeks; 450 were delayed and 75 were canceled May 23. Staff shortages have been exacerbated by industrial action, with KLM baggage handlers participating in two wildcat strikes in late April and early May, and airport staff refusing to work overtime amid allegations of poor working conditions and low pay. Trade unions representing staff at AMS have threatened a day of strike action June 1 should working conditions not improve.
In addition to flight disruptions, staff shortages may result in overcrowding and tensions between passengers and security personnel. One such incident resulted in a brawl May 22, leading to police intervention and a wildcat strike by airport security.
Advice
Plan for delays if transiting AMS through end of June. Reconfirm the status of flights before travel. Heed the instructions of airport officials.
