Train services to Schiphol were severely disrupted on Friday after thieves stole large amounts of copper from the tracks between the airport and stations Amsterdam Zuid and Amsterdam Lelylaan.

The theft caused damage to the electricity cables which in turn caught fire. ‘There has been serious damage to the cables and track security system,’ a spokesman for track operator ProRail told Nos radio news.

Dutch railway company NS says it will be at least 14.00 before services are resumed between Amsterdam and the airport but the disruption may last all day.

Travellers can use replacement bus services but are being warned that their journey to the airport will take considerably longer.