The Schiphol airport authority has announced plans to spend €6 million on improving its services for passengers, infrastructure and working conditions for staff over the next five years.

Passenger numbers are increasing, rising 11% in the first half of this year compared with 2023, while flights were up 12%, the airport authority said. Yet despite a smooth operational performance this May and summer holidays, “overall passenger satisfaction is not at the required level,” the authority said on Friday.

“It is crucial to bring back passenger satisfaction and top service to our airlines,” chief executive Pieter van Oord said in a statement.

“At the same time, we need to restore the balance between the benefits and burdens of Schiphol. We are and will remain committed to reducing our noise impact on our surroundings and to improving the working conditions of all employees at our airport.”

The airport is under both political and legal pressure to reduce the noise nuisance to locals. Staff shortages have also led to calls for measures to cut pressure on the airport’s workforce.

The €6 billion project includes major maintenance or the renewal of several important parts of the airport infrastructure – including Pier C, the baggage basements, climate-control systems, escalators, aircraft stands and taxiways.

The airport earlier spent €3 billion on improving facilities.