Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hits Over Five Million Passengers in November 2025, Fueling Europe Tourism Surge: All You Need to Know

Published on December 23, 2025

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport processed 5.2 million passengers in November 2025, marking a three percent rise from November 2024. Of these, 3.6 million originated or terminated journeys there, while nearly two million transferred, aligning with global standards that double-count transfers. This growth underscores Schiphol’s role as a pivotal tourism gateway to United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy.​

European routes dominated with 3.6 million passengers, while 1.6 million flew intercontinental paths, boosting tourism connectivity. The uptick signals robust recovery, projecting sustained tourism inflows to popular sun destinations.

Top Destination Breakdown

United Kingdom led as the most frequented route, followed by Spain, Italy, United States, and Turkey. These hotspots drew leisure travelers seeking cultural immersions and beach escapes, elevating Schiphol’s tourism throughput. Spain and Italy benefited from short-haul appeal, while United States and Turkey highlighted long-haul demand.​

Such preferences amplify tourism in Mediterranean hubs, with increased arrivals spurring hotel bookings and local events. Schiphol’s network supports seamless multi-stop tourism itineraries across Europe.

Flight Operations Expansion

A total of over thirty-six thousand flights operated to and from Schiphol, up one percent year-over-year, including more than twenty-nine thousand European services and more than seven thousand intercontinental ones. This modest rise reflects efficient capacity use amid rising tourism volumes to United Kingdom and Spain. Airlines optimized schedules for peak tourism flows.​

Enhanced movements facilitate quicker connections, reducing layover times for Italy-bound explorers. Tourism operators anticipate fuller loads, extending economic benefits to regional airports.

Cargo Volume Milestone

Air cargo hit over one hundred twenty-nine thousand tonnes, a seven percent increase from November 2024, with forty-two percent in passenger holds (up one percent) and fifty-eight percent on freighters. Freighter flights rose four percent to thirteen hundred forty-five, supporting perishable goods and e-commerce tied to tourism booms. United States and Turkey routes likely contributed via belly cargo.​

This growth underpins tourism logistics, ensuring supplies for Spain resorts and Italy eateries. Schiphol solidifies as Europe’s cargo powerhouse, indirectly fueling visitor experiences.

European Dominance Analysis

Europe captured 3.6 million passengers, reinforcing Schiphol’s intra-continental tourism hub status. United Kingdom‘s proximity drove volume, while Spain and Italy lured sun-seekers despite seasonal shifts. Transfer efficiency, nearly two million, enables complex tourism loops.​

Impacts include heightened demand for city breaks in Italy, boosting Amsterdam’s own tourism spillovers. Airlines expand frequencies to match.

Intercontinental Connectivity Boost

Intercontinental traffic reached 1.6 million, with United States and Turkey shining amid transatlantic and Middle Eastern pulls. These routes cater to premium tourism, from New York cultural tours to Istanbul heritage trips. Flight counts hit seventy-four thousand sixty-eight, up alongside passengers.​

Tourism gains from direct links, shortening journeys and encouraging add-ons like Spain extensions. Schiphol’s global reach projects five percent annual growth.

Transfer Passenger Dynamics

Almost two million transfers, including one million double-counted, highlight Schiphol’s network strength for tourism itineraries blending United Kingdom, Italy, and beyond. This segment sustains off-peak viability, drawing multi-destination travelers.​

Efficient hubs minimize disruptions, enhancing tourism satisfaction and repeat visits to Turkey gateways.

Cargo’s Tourism Synergies

Passenger belly cargo’s one percent rise complements freighter dominance, transporting luxury goods for Spain‘s high-end resorts. Total of more than one hundred twenty-nine thousand tonnes reflect e-commerce tied to tourism shopping in Italy. Freighter upticks ensure fresh imports for Dutch eateries.​

This logistics backbone supports tourism peaks, with multipliers amplifying port economies.

Origin and Termination Trends

3.6 million local passengers underscore Schiphol as Amsterdam’s tourism engine, funneling to United States long-hauls. Growth here signals domestic recovery, blending business with leisure to Turkey.​ Local surges drive urban tourism, filling bikes and canals amid airport proximity.

Future Tourism Projections

November’s three percent passenger and seven percent cargo gains forecast strong 2026 tourism, with Spain and Italy leading summer rebounds. Schiphol’s three hundred destinations position it for expansion. Infrastructure like new cargo terminals aids scalability.​ United Kingdom links sustain post-Brexit flows, while United States booms on premium demand.

Economic Ripple Effects

Traffic upticks generate jobs in handling and retail, cascading to tourism sectors. Turkey routes inject Middle Eastern spends into Dutch venues. Cargo growth funds sustainability initiatives, appealing to eco-tourism.​ Schiphol’s metrics affirm Europe’s aviation leadership, perpetuating prosperity.