Schiphol Airport ground handling tender upheld by court

A court in The Hague has rejected legal challenges from ground handling companies seeking to block a new tendering process at Schiphol Airport. The ruling allows Schiphol to proceed with its plan to reduce the number of active ground handlers from six to three.

The selected companies for the seven-year concessions are the ground handling division of KLM, Viggo, and Dnata. These providers will manage essential services, such as baggage handling and platform operations, for various airlines.

Three companies—Swissport, Aviapartner, and Menzies—filed injunctions to overturn the decision, alleging unfairness in the selection process. However, the court found no evidence that Schiphol showed a predetermined preference. The reduction in service providers follows a 2024 ministerial decision aimed at improving safety, quality, and working conditions by reducing high workloads and congestion on airport platforms and in baggage areas.

Schiphol stated that the ruling confirms its procurement procedure was conducted carefully and that the transition timeline remains unchanged. While Aviapartner described the verdict as a setback, the company indicated it would focus on an orderly transition and the protection of its employees.