The executive director of Amsterdam Schiphol announced his resignation on Thursday due to persistent problems at the airport, one of the busiest in Europe, the scene for several months of long queues due to a shortage of staff.
“Schiphol’s approach to problems, and my responsibility as CEO, is the subject of much attention and criticism,” Dick Benschop said in a statement, adding to “make room for [sa] own initiative to give Schiphol the space to make a fresh start”.
“I’ve done my best, but we’re not there yet,” Benschop conceded, as the airport once more this week was forced to ask airlines to cancel flights due to a shortage of security personnel.
Like many other airports in Europe, Schiphol has experienced significant disruption in recent months due to a lack of staff, as the airline industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.
In an attempt to reduce traveler wait times, the airport has capped passenger numbers since July. He had also promised staff bonuses for the busy summer months.
But long queues and traveler frustration returned in September due to a renewed shortage of security staff, once more forcing the airport to ask airlines to cancel flights.
“Drastic measures have been taken under Dick’s leadership to stabilize the situation at Schiphol,” Jaap Winter, chairman of the airport’s supervisory board, was quoted in the statement.
“Improvements have been made in the summer, but that is not enough,” he added.
Mr. Benschop presented his resignation Wednesday evening to the supervisory board, which gave its agreement. He will remain in office until his successor arrives, the airport said.