Just as we thought the situation at Schiphol couldn’t get any worse, about 16,000 suitcases are piling up inside (and outside!) the Dutch airport. ๐จ
The rising amount of abandoned luggage is due to the current staff shortage in the bag handlers department.
One baggage worker explains that this issue of mismanagement is because a big amount of airport staff was fired during the pandemic and is now being replaced by temporary and part-time workers.
Just how bad is the situation?
A group of baggage employees told the NOS that there are about 16,000 suitcases in Schiphol and only 100 to 200 suitcases on average are being collected per day by their rightful owners.
While this may seem like good news, there are still tens of thousands of suitcases left on the grounds. ๐งณ
The overall chaos at Schiphol has travellers waiting in queues for several hours and eventually missing their flights due to mismanagement or cancellation.
Due to these circumstances, many of those passengers’ suitcases have to be removed from the plane they were supposed to board.
Even though baggage handlers may try their best to sort out the problem, the combination of staff shortages and extreme accumulations of suitcases has them completely swamped.
Have you travelled via Schiphol in the past weeks? Did you spot any abandoned luggage? Tell us in the comments below!
Researchers from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam have found microplastics in 80% of samples taken from the meat, blood, and milk of Dutch farm animals.
Depending on your dietary preferences, you might be thinking:
A: ‘WHOOP, I’m vegetarian anyway so who cares.’ ๐ฅณ
OR
B: ‘Oh no, I eat animal products all the time, so what does that mean?’ ๐ฌ
Maria Westerbos, director of the environmental organisation Plastic Soup Foundation, tells the NOS: “This is not only damaging to the wellbeing of animals, but also for us. It’s likely that each piece of beef and each hamburger contains a small piece of plastic.”
More research needs to be done
This study by the Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam is relatively small. In total, eight samples of beef meat, 25 samples of cow’s milk, and the blood of 12 pigs and 12 cows were tested for microplastics.
Here are the results:
Seven out of eight beef meat samples contained traces of microplastics.
So did 18 out of the 25 cow’s milk samples.
The blood of all 12 pigs and 12 cows contained microplastics.
Not the farmers’ fault
The researchers think that it’s probably the feed of the animals that contains the microplastics and consequently ends up in the blood and tissue of Dutch farm animals.
In fact, the researchers took 12 samples of feed pellets and found microplastics in every single one. Shocking! In fresh feed on the other hand, like hay or vegetables, no traces of plastic could be found.
Westerbos stresses that it’s not the farmers that are to blame, but the animal feed industry that carelessly works plastic waste into their products.
What do you think of the results of this study on microplastics in Dutch animal products? Tell us in the comments below!
ING and the Dutch chipmaker company, NXP, are working on a new technology that’ll make it possible to transfer money to someone without needing to enter any information.
Whoa, wait what? No Tikkie, no bank details, no tedious IBAN numbers? ๐ฑ
It seems like it, as ING and NXP are already testing the new wireless system on Samsung phones in the Netherlands, writes RTL Nieuws.
“This could be a breakthrough just like contactless payment,” explains Thijs Janssen of ING Factory. ING Factory is an innovative branch of the Dutch bank that develops payment innovations in cooperation with external companies.
How does it work?
The new payment system, fittingly called NEAR, will enable you to simply open the ING app, point your phone at the intended receiver, and transfer the funds.
The ultra-wideband (UWB) technology in your smartphone then determines the distance to the receiver so you can select the person. Immediately, they’ll receive a notification prompting them to share their bank details.
UWB what? Ultra-wideband technology works with a chip that’s already present in newer smartphones. It’s also used in car keys and trackers for lost items. From up to 50 metres away, UWB can determine the distance between smartphones down to half a centimetre.
After just a few clicks the payment will be sent whooshing to them. ๐คณ NXP promises that NEAR will be safe to use due to an inbuilt secure element.
Could this topple the Dutch Tikkie culture? Image: ING
Samsung is on board!
“This is still at an early stage, but we think it could get really big,” said Daniel Citroen, ING’s director of tech sector coverage. “We had wanted to develop new applications together with NXP for some time. Samsung also responded enthusiastically.”
Enthusiastically might even be an understatement as the CEO of Samsung, JM Choi, calls it a “groundbreaking technology.”
The conglomerate has made the UWB chip available in its Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, S21 Ultra, and S22+ Ultra to enable the Dutch trial. ING and NXP will conduct internal testing of NEAR over the coming months before potentially inviting ING customers to partake.
…but Apple is less keen
Apple, surprise surprise, isn’t likely to let a third-party payment system make use of its UWB chips. ๐ While the technology is available from the iPhone 11 and Apple Watch Series 6, the company has a history of keeping its cards close. For example, it’s only possible to use the NFC chip on Apple devices to pay with Apple Pay.
When can you use it?
Apple has some time to find its cooperative gene, though. NEAR is still in its early stages and like other technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC it’ll take some time to catch on.
“It took many years before paying with NFC chips became normal. With UWB it will also take some time before it is used on a massive scale. We are now showing you what is possible with them. Chips are being devised and made, but only later do the surprising applications arise,” says Martijn van der Linden, PR man at NXP.
Would you use NEAR? Tell us in the comments below!
Amsterdam Central Station has joined the ranks of the top railway stations in Europe โ somehow.
The European Railway Station Index 2022 from the Consumer Choice Centre ranked the 50 largest European railway stations for passenger experience.
It researched how crowded platforms are, onsite food and drink options, wheelchair accessibility, first-class lounges, WiFi, accessibility to the number of destinations, and more.
Switzerland’s Zรผrich Main Station took the crown, while our beloved jewel of the Netherlands, Amsterdam Centraal, shares equal second place with Frankfurt Main Hbf, Mรผnchen Hbf, Berlin Hbf, and Milano Centrale. ๐ฉ๐ช ๐ฎ๐น ๐ณ๐ฑ
That’s right! The delightful Amsterdam Centraal, where you have to choose your entrance according to the least amount of urine smell, scored 92 out of 108 possible points. Niet slecht!
Seriously?
Of course, we’re not surprised. Where else than Amsterdam Centraal could they just rename the departures board “Cancelled”?
Where else are escalators mere decoration, where tourists high on weed wander around bumping into things, where they have to play pickpocket announcements at regular intervals because all the tourists keep falling victim to them?
Of course, it’s not all bad. Amsterdam Centraal has some great options! Like how you can choose to buy a crappy but cheap coffee from Albert Heijn or a delicious but overpriced coffee from Starbucks.
Okay, we will fully acknowledge that it’s not the worst train station in the world. After all, it does have some pretty great architecture. But second-best? Really?
The top 10 (apparently)
Station
Ranking
Zurich HB
1
Frankfurt Main Hbf
=2
Munich Hbf
=2
Berlin Hbf
=2
Milano Centrale
=2
Amsterdam Centraal
=2
Gare de Lyon (Paris)
7
Roma Termini
8
Hannover Hbf
=9
Dรผsseldorf Hbf
=9
Are you surprised by this ranking? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
The chaos at Schiphol has seen people looking a bit desperate. Some acts are more understandable than others โ but faking a disability to skip the queues? It’s a hard nee from us.
Since the beginning of the crisis at Schiphol, the airport has seen a 35% increase in the number of people making use of the special assistance service, AD reports.
While it’s fair to imagine that long queues would lead to some people asking for more assistance, such a sharp increase just doesn’t add up.
Queue skippers
What could be the reason behind this unfortunate rise in the number of disabled passengers? It’s simple. They’re suffering from a bad case of “I’m a big loser who doesn’t want to wait like everyone else.”
Schiphol spokesman Madelon van der Hof knows exactly what’s going on, “we are seeing more and more travellers who use aids to avoid the lines,” she tells AD.
Someone lost their wheelchair
Adding to the airport’s suspicions is the fact that a bizarre number of wheelchairs are left idle and empty on the other side of security.
“We also saw empty wheelchairs after security. As if a miracle had happened,” Van der Hof explains.
Either those security pat-downs involve some miraculous healing, or travellers are simply done making use of their wheelchair privileges once the queues are gone.
Caught on camera
Schiphol’s suspicions have proven to be correct, with one traveller being caught red-handed on CCTV footage.
The passenger is seen making use of crutches and a wheelchair provided by the airport. The poor sod is allowed to skip the queue and then โ it’s a biblical miracle โ they rise and start dancing once they’re past security.
“It’s outrageous. The service is only available for people who have a medical issue. We are legally obliged to provide assistance to anyone who asks for help,” Van der Hof says.
“We are not allowed to ask for the reason for the application.ย That is why the call to everyone is: don’t do this.”
Listen, we can maybe understand people hopping up on baggage belts after a long wait, but this? Don’t be a di*k, arrive on time, and accept whatever fate Schiphol has in store for you.
On a scale of one to ten, how outraged are you? Tell us in the comments below!
Did you know that the city of Schiedam has the tallest windmills in the world? Moreover, its residents can also raise a glass to living in the gin capital of the world โ cheers!
But the best part? It’s just outside of Rotterdam, and can easily be reached by the Metro for an ideal day trip. ๐
A hidden gem
Nestled in as part of the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area, this city in the Netherlands may not be on everyone’s radar.
In fact, Schiedam was just another neighbourhood in Rotterdam until residents broke away from the Metropole to get their own municipality. โ
Pretty windmills everywhere in Schiedam. Image: Emma Brown/Supplied
Only a 20 minutes trip from Rotterdam, this charming little city has a lot to offer โ especially for the gin lovers out there.
Even if you’re not a fan of gin, we recommend that you hop on the green, yellow, or red metro line and start off by vising one of Schiedam’s many museums (all of which are within walking distance from each other!).
National Jenever Museum Schiedam
What is there to do in Schiedam? Well, have you heard of jenever? No? Have you heard of gin? Of course, you have! Known as ‘Dutch gin’ or ‘Hollands’ to English speakers and gin connoisseurs, jenever is a traditional liquor from the Netherlands and Belgium.
Schiedam has an organisation dedicated to informing people about the jenever making tradition that has long existed in the country. The National Jenever Museum Schiedam is not your run-of-the-mill museum but has three unique parts: the Jenever Museum, Museum Mill De Walvisch, and Branderij De Gekroonde Brandersketel.
These three locations bring you everything you need to know about the Netherlands’ gin heritage. They specifically tell you about the traditional Dutch Method (yes, it is really called ‘the Dutch Method’), a family recipe that has existed since the 1700s. ๐คฏ
If you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands and have made some Dutch friends, ask them about the gin tradition in the Netherlands. Sometimes evenings will begin with a shot of jenever to get the party spirit started. But remember, you sip the drink. ๐ฅ
Jeneverie ‘t Spul
More opportunities to taste and explore the city’s connection to making gin!
This museum shows you old advertisements, films, and more to let you experience what has made Schiedam special throughout time. It is located right behind Jeneverie ‘t Spul, a popular gin cafe (yes, the place truly is dedicated to good spirits ๐) where you can taste over 400 different types of gin.
Found one you really liked? You can buy a bottle to enjoy anytime you want at the store!
Branderij de Tweelingh
Yet another place to learn more about the gin-making tradition in Schiedam โ it is the gin capital of the world after all. What’s special about Branderij de Tweelingh though is that they use the original family recipe from 1777!
You will be able to taste and see just how the Egte Schiedamsche Moutwijn ‘NOTARIS’, the liquor produced by the family-run business Herman Jansen, is made. For the real geeks, you can request a guided tour that lasts for 1.5 hours and ends with the tasting of the NOTARIS gin.
Who’s feeling thirsty for some gin right now? ๐โโ๏ธ
Non-gin related things to do in Schiedam (yes, they exist)
Is gin not your thing? Are you into modern or contemporary art or fun tech attractions? Then these places should be on your list when you visit Schiedam:
Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
This museum has been collecting art since 1945 and has a permanent collection of “informal” and “experimental” art from 1945-1960.
Stedelijke Museum Schiedam is not only dedicated to the art of the past but works together with artists, young creatives, and Schiedam residents to make a museum that “tells stories about themes that matter in the past, but also now.”
Let op! Stedelijk Museum Schiedam is temporarily closed due to renovation but has set up exhibitions throughout the city. Be sure to visit their special location at the Sint Janskerk.
What an entrance! Image: G.Lanting/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
Museummolen de Nieuwe Palmboom
Remember what we said about Schiedam having the tallest windmills in the world? You can learn all about their history at Museummolen de Nieuwe Palmboom and, trust us, there are lots of things to know and learn about the traditional Dutch windmills that can be found everywhere in the city! So get going.
Zero Latency VR: immersive gaming at their finest
If you’re looking for a video game enthusiast, love virtual reality tech, or just a fun afternoon with your friends, Zero Latency VR is the go-to place.
With eight virtual reality worlds to enter with eight players, you can explore and experience worlds beyond your imagination with the Rotterdam branch.
Don’t worry if you’re not the most video-game-oriented person! It’s family-friendly for kids over the age of 13 and there’s more than just shooting zombies and pirates (although, it sounds like a lot of fun!)
But wait! There are more windmills for you to look out for. This city has some of the best and largest windmills in the world, so don’t miss them.
Windmill de Drie Koornbloemen
Windmill Walvisch
Babbersmolen
Windmill de Kameel
Windmill de Nolet
Windmill de Noord
Windmill de Vrijheid
Have you seen all the windmills in Schiedam? Looking for other windmills in the Netherlands? Well, the country has plenty of those, so don’t worry. You have a lot of options! You can go to the windmill parks like Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans. Or you could go to the one at Delfshaven in Rotterdam and make a day trip out of it! The possibilities are endless!
National Cooperative Museum
Schiedam is an old city, with many buildings and one such building is home to the National Cooperative Museum in Schiedam. Be prepared to feel like you travelled back in time!
Enter the museum through their shop that sells sweets made from recipes of “yesteryear”, and move to the carefully reconstructed living room from the 20s.
You will also be able to understand how the Cooperative movement in the Netherlands happened, as well. You can get all of this for FREE! Not the sweets, though. ๐
Bibliotheek Schiedam at the Korenbeurs
Schiedam has the first green library in the Netherlands! The Bibliotheek Schiedam at the Korenbeurs opened its doors in 2015 and is right in the centre of the city.
You should visit this library even if you’re not a bookworm! Go there just to marvel at the great architecture and relax in their courtyard. The building has an interesting history where it dates back to 1792.
It played an important role in the gin industry, which makes the city of Schiedam what it is today. Trade, art, and culture all went hand-in-hand in this historic national monument.
I for one live in Rotterdam and have gone to the library not to study or work, but to just sit in their marvelous courtyard.
But if you’re really looking to focus on work, this is still a library which is easily accessible by all. They have different locations around the city, but I think this is the best one.
Liduina Basilica
Do you love Neo-Gothic architecture? Then be sure to make your way to the Liduina Basilica, the only basilica in South Holland.
It was designed by the architect EJ Margry and was built between 1878 and 1881. The altar of the Roman Catholic church faces east (towards Jerusalem), but also towards the rising sun.
This church is dedicated to Liduina van Schiedam, the patroness since 1968. As it still has the remains of Saint Liduina, it was given the honorary title of a ‘minor Basilica’ by Pope John Paul II in 1990. She is one of the most well-known saints from the Netherlands and happens to be the only Northern Dutch female saint.
The only minor basilica in South Holland. Image: 1Veertje/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
Now that’s a little bit about its history, but what can you find inside? You can find works of art telling you the story of Saint Liduina: a 19th-century Liduina altar, the chasuble (the outermost robe worn by the clergy) with intricate embroidery, 8 painted panels, stained glass windows, and the remains of the saint herself.
St. Janskerk
If you’re a fan of old buildings and enjoy the architecture of a church from the 14th century, then head to the Sint Janskerk!
It was built between 1335 and 1500 in place of a smaller church. The tower of the church is 54 metres high and is said to be from the 14th century. Remember the patroness Saint Liduina? Her grave is in this church, while a statue of her welcomes you at the front.
Have a look at these interiors! Aren’t they gorgeous? Image: Johan Bakker/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
Well, there you have it, folks! Gin and non-gin related things to do and see on a day trip to Schiedam! Don’t forget to tag @dutchreview on Instagram when you do visit and take those grams โ We want to see them!
What are your favourite things to do in Schiedam? Tell us in the comments below!
Editorโs Note: This article was originally published in July 2019, and was fully updated in July 2022 for your reading pleasure.
It seems like the Netherlands will receive a hefty dose of southern European weather very soon. How hefty? We can expect temperatures to reach as high as 30 degrees, if not more! โ๏ธ
Meteorologist Alfred Snoek from Weerplaza predicts the Netherlands will soon experience tropical temperatures, as a wave of hot air from Spain comes to the lowlands. ๐จ
“Definitely 30 degrees”
Snoek tells the AD to think of tropical levels of heat: “it will certainly reach 30 degrees Celsius here. Maybe more.” ๐ฅ
Dutch meteorologists predict a high-pressure area in the Atlantic Ocean will split, with the eastern half drifting towards the European mainland.
This allows the heat from southern Europe to flow toward the country. With expected temperatures of at least 40 degrees in Spain and Portugal, 30 degrees in the Netherlands doesn’t seem so unlikely. ๐
Looking into the future
However, the biggest question is whether the high-pressure front will draw the heat from the south that far north. Meteorologists at Weerplaza say the chances are 65% to about 70%, based on current increases in temperature.๐ก
The most recent weather maps suggest this wave will begin in the second half of July. In any case, next week we can already expect fresh breezes and temperatures up to 25 degrees! ๐
Do you enjoy the warm weather? How do you manage the heat? Tell us in the comments!
Want to enjoy the Dutch art scene but you’re on a budget? Luckily, there are plenty of art museums, exhibitions and experiences in the Netherlands you can enjoy completely for free! ๐จ
You just need to know where to look. Thereโs far more than just the Rijksmuseum or the Mauritshuis to keep your artistic urges satisfied.
In fact, the Netherlands has over 300 art galleries spread out across the country โ and some of them won’t cost you a cent.
Whether they take the form of a free museum, a city walking tour or special events, there are loads of opportunities sitting right under our noses to enjoy Dutch paintings, sculptures and photography without breaking the bank. ๐ธ
1. Melkweg Expo
Located at the iconic nightclub and music venue in the centre of Amsterdam, the Melkweg Expo aims to simultaneously nurture young, up-and-coming talent and provide an inclusive viewing experience for visitors.
The several yearly exhibitions hosted at the studio are characterised by a distinct playfulness and youthful energy, often featuring themes related to identity and pop culture.
Closing later than most galleries, a visit to the Melkweg Expo could be the perfect end to a day out in the Dutch capital โ and I promise that it wonโt require the queuing or claustrophobia that you’re used to at this particular venue.
Pulchri Studio in the Hague was founded in 1847. However, in their own words, they’re “still young at heart.”
The gallery hosts 60 unique exhibitions a year, ranging from modern spatial art to neo-classical clay figurines. Most of the pieces are also for sale, so if youโve saved up enough money by opting for budget-friendly museum experiences, you might be able to take a little something home with you. ๐
Het weer is goed, de zon schijnt en er zijn nieuwe tentoonstellingen zijn te zien! Wees welkom allemaal bij Pulchri Studio โ๏ธ๐ท๐ฑ
The gallery itself is housed in a stunning building right opposite the Binnenhof, with a cafรฉ in its off-street courtyard, making it the perfect lunchtime stop on a day trip to South Hollandโs capital city.
Where: Lange Voorhout 15, 2514 EA, Den Haag. Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday; 12 PM to 5 PM.
3. W139
W139 is an artist-run presentation and production space in Amsterdam that first opened in 1979. The studio has a political goal โ countering some of the issues that it sees in the current Dutch art scene.
At the heart of their mission is to support young and up-and-coming Dutch artists, and give them a platform despite increasing institutional competition and limited resources. Common themes include a need for solidarity and the repercussions of unchecked capitalism on the creative sphere.
The gallery maintains an open call for artists, meaning that any artist, whether they are a big name or a newcomer, has the opportunity to share their art at W139.
Fotogalerie de Gang might be Haarlemโs best-kept secret. Or would you expect to discover a small photo gallery in a corridor leading to a secret Mennonite church? Exactly.
The small gallery exhibits temporary photo exhibitions and a small permanent exhibition of Frans Hals paintings in one of the Netherlandsโ famous 17th-century hidden churches.
With each step further into Fotogalerie De Gang you are stepping back in time โ making this a must-see for both art and history buffs.
Where: Grote Houtstraat 43, 2011 SC, Haarlem. Opening Times: Monday&Sunday, 12 PM to 17 PM; Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM to 17 PM.
5. OSCAM
OSCAM (Open Space Contemporary Art Museum) is a free gallery in Bijlmer, just minutes from the Johan Cruyff Arena. They present high-quality exhibitions of art, fashion and design aimed at bringing the often exclusive art scene closer to the public.
OSCAM is passionate about inclusivity and access, with an incredibly diverse team and a track record of promoting black, female and LGBTQ+ artists.
This is the place for you if you enjoy boundary-pushing artists and contemporary art that aims to start a conversation instead of just being part of one.
Where: Bijlmerplein 110-111, 1102 DB, Amsterdam. Opening Times: Tuesday – Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
6. De Kunstavond
If you want to experience something completely out of the ordinary, youโre going to love De Kunstavond in the Witte de Withkwartier (the art quarter) of Rotterdam.
Every first Friday of the month, the entire street puts on an evening of art to enjoy totally free of charge. Across multiple locations, you can experience a number of art exhibitions, presentations and tours.
Frequently, the recurring themes deal with identity, the future and technology. Definitely a night you don’t want to miss!
Where: Witte de Withstraat 50, 3012BR, Rotterdam. Opening Times: First Friday of the month; 6 PM to 9 PM.
7. Street art in Utrecht
Galleries are all well and good, but you might like a more outdoorsy experience for the rare occasions when the Dutch sun shows its face.
Ontdek Utrecht provides a free map to a self-guided nine-kilometre route through the city. Some of the nin murals on the router are among the oldest pieces of street art in the Netherlands!
This is not only an exciting art experience but a great way to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Utrecht. The tour takes you not only through the historic centre but also through some of the less touristic places of the city.
Starting Point: Spaaklaan 2, 3527 SK, Utrecht. The Lute Player Mural.
8. Van Gogh-Roosengaarde Fietspad
If you were asked five things that make the Netherlands iconic, Vincent Van Gogh and bikes might both make the cut. Well, some creative planners in Brabant have expertly combined the two, creating the Vincent Van Gogh cycle route!
This unique bike path takes cyclists around Van Gogh’s home province, past significant sites in his life and street art inspired by one of the Dutch’s favourite painters.
In total, the route stretches over 435 km and takes visitors through the whole of Brabant. This may seem a little intimidating, so cyclists can also choose between shorter tours, focussing on specific areas where the painter lived, worked or found inspiration.
If thereโs one route that you wonโt want to miss, itโs the Van Gogh-Roosengaarde Fietspad in Eindhoven, which lights up at night in the colours and patterns of Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night.’
Created by artist Daan Roosengaard, the path is strewn with thousands of solar-powered pebbles, which collect energy from the sun by day and sparkle at night. Absolutely magical!
9. Walk around Amsterdam’s art district
Yes, art shops are expensive. If you’re reading this article about free art experiences, Iโm going to take a shot in the dark and guess that youโre not in the market to buy yourself a Vermeer any time soon.
However, despite the air of exclusivity coating the various art shops dotted around Amsterdam’s inofficial art district, close to the Vijzelsgracht. You might be surprised by the warm and inclusive atmosphere that you can discover inside.ย
Exploring the art shops of Amsterdam can be a wonderful day out, especially when the sun is shining. Itโs a great way to become acquainted with local, up-and-coming artists that you might not see in the official galleries โ and you definitely feel very high-class while going about it.
Where: Vijzelgracht, 1017 HT, Amsterdam.
Is there a free art experience in the Netherlands that we’ve missed? Tell us in the comments!
Editorโs Note: This article was originally published in March 2022, and was fully updated in July 2022 for your reading pleasure.
Heading off on your holibobs this July from Schiphol airport? Are you sure? Have you checked that your flight hasn’t been cancelled? Ok great, but just beware that you have to be super on time โ oh and your flight may still be significantly delayed.
How delayed? Well, that depends, but what is for certain is that the “on-time performance” of Schiphol Airport has significantly decreased in light of the recent chaos.
By the end of June, only between 47% and 71% of flights were actually able to land on time at the airport. Departing flights had even worse luck, with only between 23% and 48% taking off on time, the NOS reports.
Delays of up to three hours
On Monday, June 20, those who were able to make it through the long lines at security on time were faced with a second challenge: they had to hit the breaks and wait. For how long? Three hours. โฑ
The rest of the week was slightly better with some lucky ducks only waiting at the gate for approximately one hour and 40 minutes. ๐ฅฒ
However, this was only the end of June โ and now the airport is expected to face one of its busiest months this summer.
Not enough people
And how do they plan on coping? Well, with more staff of course! If they could get any.
The airport is desperately seeking help from outside sources in order to fill the holes in its ranks.
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee has been asked if they can spare some crumbs and help out. However, according to Minister Mark Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management, there’s no one to spare, with all Marechaussees fully deployed at the moment.
Protests are escalating in the Netherlands. Last night, a policeman fired three shots into the air as a warning during a farmers’ demonstration close to Heerenveen in the Friesland province.
The Dutch police have confirmed the story in an official statement on Twitter. The statement explains that protestors were trying to drive their tractors into the group of policemen present on-site, RTL Nieuws reports.
Two shots fired
This particular incident happened at around 10:40 PM yesterday evening and also resulted in the arrests of three protestors.
Unverified videos that were taken during the protest at Heerenveen show police agents drawing weapons and pointing them at protestors.
— ๐ฎ๐ถ๐๐๐๐ช (@Miss_Royal73) July 5, 2022
Blocked roads, empty supermarket shelves, and now shootings at protests โ the farmers’ protests in the Netherlands are certainly being heard this week.
What do you think about this latest development in the Dutch farmers’ protests? Tell us in the comments below!
