Dutch airline KLM was forced to cancel 119 flights on Wednesday at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport after its ground crew launched a strike, according to reports from Reuters. The industrial action created widespread travel chaos at one of Europe’s busiest hubs, adding to a series of disruptions that have plagued Schiphol in recent months.
Why Did the Strike Happen?
KLM’s ground crew – responsible for baggage handling, aircraft servicing, and logistical operations on the tarmac – walked out in protest over working conditions and pay disputes. The strike action was organized by unions representing airport staff, who argue that long shifts, understaffing, and rising costs of living have placed unsustainable pressure on workers.
Impact on Passengers
The cancellation of 119 flights left thousands of passengers stranded, while many others faced long delays, rerouting, or last-minute rebooking. Travelers passing through Schiphol reported:
- Long queues at check-in and baggage drop
- Confusion over rescheduled flight times
- Difficulty finding alternative connections during peak travel hours
For many passengers, the cancellations disrupted business trips, holidays, and connecting flights, as Schiphol is a key European gateway serving more than 70 million travelers annually.
Schiphol’s Recent Challenges
The strike is the latest setback for Schiphol Airport, which has already been struggling with congestion, capacity limits, and ongoing staff shortages. Over the past year, Schiphol has faced:
- Security staff shortages, leading to hours-long queues at checkpoints
- Air traffic control challenges during peak travel seasons
- Now, escalating labor disputes impacting flight schedules
KLM’s Response
KLM issued a statement apologizing to affected passengers and promised to assist with rebooking and compensation in line with EU passenger rights. The airline also urged unions to return to negotiations to avoid further escalation.
A KLM spokesperson stated:
“We regret the disruption this has caused for our passengers and are doing everything we can to minimize the impact. We urge all parties to work together to find a sustainable solution.”
Broader Industry Context
Labor disputes have become increasingly common in Europe’s aviation sector as airlines and airport operators recover from the pandemic. Rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures have fueled strikes across several carriers, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Ryanair, over the past year.
What’s Next?
- Negotiations between KLM and unions are expected to continue in the coming days.
- Schiphol may face further disruptions if agreements are not reached quickly.
- Passengers with upcoming flights are advised to monitor KLM’s flight status updates and allow additional time when traveling through Amsterdam.
Key Takeaways
- 119 KLM flights cancelled at Schiphol due to a ground crew strike.
- Passengers faced delays, rebooking issues, and travel chaos at the busy hub.
- Schiphol has already been struggling with congestion and staff shortages.
- Negotiations are ongoing; more strikes could occur if no deal is reached.
