Dutch airports see passenger rise in Q2 despite Iran war

In the second quarter of 2026, Dutch airports handled more than 21 million passengers, half a million more than the same period in 2025. Overall passenger numbers grew by 2 % to 18.3 million, with about 86 % of travellers using Amsterdam Schiphol.

Flights to and from Israel doubled compared with the previous year, offsetting a temporary dip in March caused by the Middle‑East conflict. Aircraft load factors rose to roughly 83 % from just over 80 % a year earlier. Air cargo also increased, reaching nearly 410 000 tonnes – a 15 % rise on the prior year.

The data, reported by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), shows that the aviation sector recovered quickly after the disruption linked to the Iran war, with a notable boost in both passenger and freight traffic.