Schiphol chaos forces Air Malta to transfer six Amsterdam flights to Rotterdam airport

Chaos at one of the Netherlands' busiest airport, Schiphol - Amsterdam, has led Malta's national flag carrier, Air Malta, to transfer six flights to the nearest airport - Rotterdam (RTM).

"Due to the current situation affecting ground service capabilities in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Air Malta has been compelled to transfer six flights scheduled to operate between Malta and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), to instead operate to RTM. RTM is the closest airport to Amsterdam (other than Schiphol)," the national airline said in a statement on Friday.

Social media and news sites have flooded the public with images of 4+ hour-long queues to get through security, as well as confusion within Schiphol's baggage handling teams.

It is understood that severe staff shortages at Amsterdam's airport has led to the situation, and has also led to a requirement for flight cancellations and a reduction in seat capacity during July by the Netherlands Slot Coordinator.

"The decision to operate to RTM instead was taken to reduce passenger inconvenience and disruptions as much as possible."

Air Malta flights affected are KM386/387 operating on Mondays and Wednesdays afternoon from 11-27th July.

The airline said that customers who booked directly with the company to travel to/from Amsterdam on 11,13,18,20,25 and 27th July are currently being notified by Air Malta of this change be means of an email.

Customers who booked through travel agents or tour operators are asked to contact their travel agent for further details.

Air Malta apologised for these disruptions "caused by circumstances beyond its control, and which have been forced onto airlines operating from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport".