The Netherlands' primary international hub below sea level.
Opened
1916
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport of the Netherlands and one of the busiest airports in Europe, handling over 70 million passengers annually before the COVID-19 pandemic. It serves as the primary hub for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and a major connecting point for intercontinental travel between Europe and the rest of the world.
Uniquely, Schiphol operates as a single-terminal concept with multiple piers, allowing passengers to move freely between gates without re-clearing security. The airport is situated approximately 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam city centre, at roughly 3.35 metres below mean sea level, making it one of the lowest-elevation major airports in the world.
Schiphol is consistently ranked among the top airports globally for connectivity, facilities, and passenger experience. It features a full shopping mall, a branch of the Rijksmuseum, a casino, and extensive business services within its terminal complex.
Terminals
Schiphol uses a single integrated terminal building divided into three main departure halls (1, 2, and 3) connected to multiple lettered piers (B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and M).
Getting to & from
Schiphol is directly connected to Amsterdam Centraal and other Dutch cities via frequent intercity and international train services from Schiphol Plaza, located beneath the terminal.
Airlines here
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the primary hub carrier, with significant operations by transavia, easyJet, Corendon Dutch Airlines, and numerous global carriers across all major alliances.
Notable facts
- ›Schiphol sits approximately 3.35 metres below mean sea level, among the lowest elevations of any major airport.
- ›The airport's name originates from the Dutch words meaning 'ship's hole', referencing a historic naval battle site reclaimed from water.
- ›A branch of the Rijksmuseum is located airside, offering rotating displays of Dutch Golden Age artworks.
- ›Schiphol was one of the first airports in Europe to implement a single-terminal concept for seamless passenger flow.
- ›The airport handled a record approximately 71.7 million passengers in 2019, making it the third busiest in Europe that year.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
