Amsterdam Airport History

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has a rich history, having been in operation since the early 20th century. In fact, Schiphol is the oldest international airport in the world that remains on its original site.

Schiphol began as a military airfield in 1916 in the midst of World War One, when aviation became a major part of modern warfare. In 1920, as Europe entered peacetime, the airport became a civil aviation airport, leading to the first KLM flight taking place in the same year. Amsterdam hosted the 1928 Olympic Games, which prompted the City of Amsterdam to take over airport operations from the Ministry of War.

In 1938, Schiphol became only the second airport in Europe to have a tarmac runway system. The airport then played its role in World War Two, firstly being bombed by German aircraft on 10th May 1940 and then later in the year being used as a base from which the Germans launched bombing raids against Great Britain.

American bombers crippled Schiphol airport in 1943, and German commandos destroyed the remaining buildings during their withdrawal from Holland.

Following the rebuilding of the country, the City of Amsterdam approved plans to build what would become the modern-day Schiphol airport in 1953. Within five years, the rebuilding of the airport was complete.

By 1963, construction of a new terminal building was underway, and this was completed by 1967. The same terminal was expanded by 120% in 1975. The Schiphol rail link was opened in 1975, which provided a direct service into the heart of Amsterdam as well as across much of Europe.

1988 saw ambitious plans for Schiphol to become one of the top five European airports by becoming a major transport hub and driver of the Dutch and European economies.

These plans saw rapid expansion of the airport, with a new air traffic control tower and Pier G both opening in 1991. The west wing of the terminal opened in 1993, followed by the impressive Schiphol Plaza in 1995.

2000 saw further expansion with the renovation of Departure Lounge 2, followed by the fifth runway being opened in 2003. In 2004, extension work on Departure Lounge 1, Departure Hall 3 and Arrival Hall 4 was completed, and in 2005, the airport reached its current status upon completion of Pier H, designed for use by low-budget airlines. Plans are currently in place for construction of a seventh runway.

Schiphol Facts:

As well as being the oldest, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is also the lowest international airport in the world, standing 4.5 metres below sea level. Only Rotterdam airport stands lower than Schiphol, at 6 metres below sea level

Schiphol was the first mainland European airport to offer tax-free shopping

In 2001, Schiphol airport was the first in the world to identify passengers with iris recognition technology

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol was the first in the world to house a museum with paintings by old masters; the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol.

The Schiphol Group which owns and operates Amsterdam Airport Schiphol also controls regional Dutch airports Rotterdam and Lelystad. The group also has a 51% stake in Eindhoven airport, and has international operations in John F. Kennedy airport in New York, and at Brisbane airport, Australia.