The Dutch cargo community is up in arms at the apparent refusal of Schiphol Airport to work with it to ensure cargo retains capacity, as well as its stature and importance to the country.
Supply chain stakeholders, from handlers and airlines to shippers and forwarders, are angry that the airport is not defending freighter slots; that it has suggested cutting the number of airside cargo handlers from five to three; and that it appears to want to reduce its cargo department headcount (which it has denied).
The situation has been exacerbated by political upheaval in the Netherlands and the planned replacement of Schiphol’s CEO in June.
Slots, as ever, is one key issue.
“My concern is the current focus of the airport on reducing the number of slots,” said shipper Lars Droog. “In my opinion, the airport ignores the fact that there are several stakeholders with an important interest and should therefore have a say, and be heard.”
