Ruud Sondag becomes interim Chief Executive of Schiphol. The former CEO of the energy group Eneco will take over from the resigned President Dick Benschop from November. He left him last month because of the ongoing problems at the airport that had made his position untenable.

Sondag is considered an experienced driver. In addition to Eneco, he was managing director of the waste company Van Gansewinkel for many years. He is also currently on the board of directors of ProRail and the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

staff shortage

In recent months, Schiphol has come under fire for long queues and canceled flights. The problems began in the spring when baggage workers left work unannounced on the first day of the May holiday. The strikers wanted to take a stand against the shortage of staff and the heavy workload. They also demanded better working conditions.

The situation improved slightly in the summer, also because the airport introduced a summer bonus of EUR 5.25 per hour for staff. But after the end of the bonus period in early September, the problems increased again.

Schiphol had to ask several airlines to cancel flights due to a lack of security personnel. There were also long queues at the airport.

Higher hourly wage

Earlier this month it became clear that Schiphol’s security staff will be paid a higher hourly wage. The airport also agreed with security companies and unions that working conditions are being worked on. Schiphol therefore hopes to attract and retain more security personnel.