Schiphol now charges the highest fees and levies of any airport in the EU, according to an annual study by SEO Economisch Onderzoek for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Of the airports compared, only London Heathrow came out more expensive.
That is a big jump: in 2019, Schiphol was 12th of the 13 airports examined.
The researchers put the rise down to the airport’s competitive position and growing cost pressure on Dutch aviation.
They warn that Schiphol’s differentiated aviation taxes could drive airlines and passengers to other airports.
Cabinet disputes the findings
The study also suggests that the higher aviation tax and flight restrictions at Schiphol may have cost the Netherlands billions of euros in economic activity, a conclusion the cabinet rejects.
It points out that the number of foreign tourists visiting the Netherlands was 11% higher in 2025 than in 2019.
The cabinet wants all EU airports to charge the same aviation tax under common European rules, and it will lower its high tax rate on long-haul flights in 2027.
Over the coming years, it will study the effects of the tax, including how many travellers switch to other airports.
If you’re flying out soon, check out our guide to Amsterdam Schiphol.