Schiphol Airport CEO Dick Benschop has resigned following a chaotic summer season season that noticed copious airport delays, flight cancellations and the introduction of passenger capability limits on the Amsterdam hub.
The airport’s supervisory board accepted Benschop’s resignation on Thursday (15 September) nonetheless he’ll stay in workplace till a successor is discovered.
Benschop, who took on the function of president director and CEO of Royal Schiphol Group in Could 2018, stated he’s voluntarily stepping away to assist the airport revive its picture.
“Plenty of consideration, and criticism, has been directed in direction of the way in which during which Schiphol is tackling the issues and my duty as CEO,” he stated in an announcement.
“Alone initiative, I’m giving Schiphol the area to make a brand new begin. I don’t need the eye on me as a person to grow to be an impediment for Schiphol.”
He went on to say: “The scenario at Schiphol and what meaning for our travellers and staff is near my coronary heart. I’ve executed my highest, however we’re not there but. I hope that issues enhance quickly. I like Schiphol. Managing this firm was an incredible honour.”
The fast rebound of post-pandemic journey throughout Europe’s summer season season noticed airports scrambling to fulfill demand, the place widespread employees shortages led to airport delays and last-minute flight cancellations.
Dwelling to the Dutch arm of Air France-KLM, Schiphol was not proof against the chaos and the service was pressured to cancel as much as 20 flights a day all through July and August. To alleviate the stress on employees, the airport restricted passenger numbers in the course of the summer season peak interval, and lately prolonged caps till October.
Schiphol additionally launched a short lived compensation scheme to reimburse travellers who missed flights on account of prolonged safety management delays.
Supervisory board chair, Jaap Winter, stated as a result of “ongoing dangerous information” in latest months the board was in common contact with Schiphol’s administration, the place “all potentialities for enchancment have been and proceed to be mentioned”.
In thanking Benschop, he added: “Beneath Dick’s management, far-reaching measures have been taken to stabilise the scenario at Schiphol. Enhancements have been made in the course of the summer season, however this isn’t sufficient. Additional intervention within the capability and administration of the safety firms is important.
“As a nationwide and worldwide airport, Schiphol should return to providing the standard of service that passengers and airways are accustomed to… We respect and perceive Dick’s choice to resign. We hope to shortly discover a successor.”
