Schiphol and KLM Overhaul Winter Weather Response Plans

Schiphol Airport and KLM are joining forces to improve how they handle winter weather disruptions, following a chaotic period in early January when heavy and prolonged snowfall caused widespread delays, cancellations, and long passenger waits across the Amsterdam hub.

An independent review carried out by consultancy Oliver Wyman found that the disruption was made worse by a combination of factors: snowfall that arrived earlier and heavier than forecast, a surge in demand for aircraft de-icing, and a slow reduction in flight volumes. Decision-making and operational scaling kicked in later than necessary, amplifying the impact on both passengers and staff. Both Schiphol and KLM have acknowledged the significant consequences the situation had across the board.

In response, the two organisations are committing to a joint winter readiness plan, with three main focus areas: coordinated preparation ahead of winter conditions, better passenger support and communication during disruptions, and increased de-icing capacity to handle high-demand scenarios more effectively.

The review was clear that extreme weather will always cause some level of disruption in aviation — there is no eliminating that reality. But Schiphol and KLM say there is clear room to improve how quickly and effectively they respond when conditions deteriorate. Other airport stakeholders will be brought into the process where needed to implement the report's full recommendations.

Both companies have published their own management responses with further detail on the specific actions they plan to take.