THE NETHERLANDS. The disruptive effect of the ongoing Lounge 1 redevelopment was the main driver behind a -9.8% year-on-year fall in average airside retail spend per passenger to €12.23 during the first half at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Food & beverage spending per departing passenger airside slipped -1.3% to €6.01, Schiphol Group revealed as it posted its H1 results.
Revenue generated through concessions increased by +41.5% to €133 million driven mainly by the acquisition of Kappé in January 2024 and an increase in passenger numbers at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (up +11% year-on-year to 31.8 million) and the company’s regional airports.
The passenger traffic outlook continues to improve, Schiphol Group noted with monthly figures coming increasingly towards pre-COVID levels.
On peak days during the May and summer period, there were more departing passengers than in pre-pandemic 2019. For the full year, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is expected to serve between 65 and 68 million passengers, compared with 71.7 million in 2019.
“The goal of this [Lounge 1] redevelopment is to add extra square metres to expand the range of shops and food & drink establishments, add new retail concepts and make some existing facilities larger,” the company said.
Group revenue increased by +23% year-on-year to €1,048 million, due mainly to a continued increase in passenger numbers and air traffic movements.
Total parking revenue increased by +20% to €83 million (at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol by €12 million), driven by the increase in local, departing passengers and higher sales yielding.
Several renovated shops opened in Lounge 1 at Schiphol during H1 while Swissport and oneworld alliance inaugurated their new lounges in Lounge 2.
Schiphol is redeveloping Lounge 2, a project centred around the passenger experience. The food & beverage and retail area is getting a new layout, while more space is being made for new luxury brands. Lounge 2 will see a renewed and varied range of food, beverage and retail outlets, Schiphol Group pledged. Bulgari opened during the first half and others will follow, the company added {main story continues following the sidebar below}.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol set for blockbuster investmentIn posting its first-half results, Schiphol Group also revealed the biggest investment plan in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s history, one designed to improve the gateway’s infrastructure, working conditions and service to passengers and airlines. Schiphol will invest €6 billion in the next five years across key parts of the airport infrastructure. These include Pier C, the baggage basement, climate-control systems, escalators, aircraft stands and taxiways, which are all due to undergo major maintenance or renewing. Pier A will be completed and new construction projects, such as a new baggage basement, will start.  Schiphol Group CEO Pieter van Oord said: “Our infrastructure is the foundation of our service, but is currently far from what we want to offer our passengers as a quality airport in the Netherlands. “We have a major investment plan of €6 billion because it is crucial to bring back passenger satisfaction and top service to our airlines. At the same time, we need to restore the balance between the benefits and burdens of Schiphol. “We are and will remain committed to reducing our noise impact on our surroundings and to improving the working conditions of all employees at our airport.” |
Schiphol Group Chief Financial Officer Robert Carsouw commented: “Although it is encouraging to see that our financial results are improving and that our balance sheet is strong, our overall financial performance is not yet satisfactory.
“Increasing operational costs and the investment portfolio put heavy pressure on our current and long-term cash flows. It is in everyone’s interest that Schiphol once again becomes a high-quality airport with robust infrastructure and excellent service to our passengers and airlines.
“Our investment plans of €6 billion in the next five years are larger than ever before and fundamental to achieve this. Realising our ambitions require a significant step-up and acceleration of our operational cash flows, without losing focus on our competitiveness.” ✈
