Dick Benschop, the executive director of Amsterdam Schiphol, the Dutch city's airport, has not weathered the storm of chaos and disorder that has taken hold for several months.
On Thursday, he announced his resignation.
“
I did my best, but we are not there yet
,” admitted Dick Benschop, in a press release.
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Schiphol's situation is not an isolated case in Europe.
Airports have been strongly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
And, with the resumption of air traffic, they are unable to find all the ground staff necessary for optimal operation.
In Amsterdam, main Dutch union FNV says there was renewed disruption in the summer, following the abolition of summer pay, prompting many security workers to quit their job after finding work elsewhere.
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Airport management has taken steps to try to limit chaos and traveler wait times, including capping passenger numbers since July.
Bonuses for the busy summer months have also been promised to staff.
In September, however, the long queues reappeared.
And, last week, the airport was again forced to ask airlines to cancel flights.
The executive director did not resist.
The FNV considered this departure "
unfortunate
".
For its part, the advocacy group for airlines active in the Netherlands, Barin, considered that this departure was “
the result of a faulty policy at the airport
”.
It will be up to Dick Benschop's successor, who has not yet been appointed, to provide a definitive solution to the current mess.