Schiphol airport is cutting passenger numbers by an average of 9,250 a day for the coming six weeks, as it grapples to cope with a shortage of security staff.

The cut amounts to an 18% reduction in the number of travellers and has been made necessary because security companies ‘are supplying fewer security officials than pledged earlier’, the airport said.

The measure will remain in place until at least October 31.

The news comes a day after airport chief executive Dick Benschop said he was stepping down from the job. His resignation follows criticism of the way he had attempted to solve the staff shortages which have plagued Schiphol since May.

Operational director Hanne Buis said the passenger number cuts were needed to guarantee both traveller and staff safety, but admitted it is ‘bad news for passengers and airlines’.

KLM said the measure would have ‘far reaching consequences for our passengers, colleagues and Schiphol’s national and international reputation and that of KLM.’