FNV expects long queues at Schiphol due to autumn holidays and corona
Travelers have to take into account very long queues at Schiphol during the coming autumn holidays. According to the FNV trade union, the staff shortages are far from being solved, while it will become busier at the airport from Saturday. More than a quarter more Dutch people will be leaving for autumn holidays this coming or next week, according to booking data with travel organizations.
On top of the continuing staff shortages, according to the trade unionist, there is additional absenteeism due to the increase in the number of corona infections. 'The absenteeism has been very high for months because of the high work pressure. Security guards come into contact with travelers a lot, so corona is now added.
It will be tough days for the staff at Schiphol," said FNV campaign manager Van Doesburg about the autumn holiday that starts this weekend in the north of the Netherlands. According to Schiphol, the previously imposed maximum numbers of passengers take into account the crowds of the autumn holidays, as well as absenteeism due to illness.
City trips more popular this autumn
Short trips are much more popular this autumn holiday compared to 2019. “Combined with the fact that considerably more people are going on autumn holidays this year, it can be concluded that the Dutch are increasingly opting for several short trips per year, instead of one long holiday,” explains Kelder.
“Our booking data shows that the demand for distant destinations is on the rise. Because destinations such as Dubai and Punta Cana are reasonably priced during this period, the autumn holidays are the perfect time for many to take a long trip to the sun.”
Compared to the autumn holidays in 2019, the number of city trips has more than doubled. Most holidaymakers will board a plane next week to cities such as Valencia, Rome and Barcelona. Valencia in particular catches the eye when we look at the top destinations for a city trip next week. Compared to 2019, more than 3 times as many people will leave for this Spanish city this autumn holiday.
Travel sum increases despite inflation
Due to the continuing crowds at Schiphol, PrijsVrij Vakanties will move to airports in Belgium and mainly Germany for the autumn holidays. Nearly 60% will depart from a foreign airport during the upcoming autumn break. It is striking that high inflation has not prevented travelers from spending more money on an autumn holiday. Compared to 2019, holidaymakers spend 14% more money on their trip in the fall. For long journeys this is no less than 26% and for city trips even 32%, according to Price Free Holidays.
