Customs strike at Schiphol causes delays, no right to compensation

Passengers arriving at Schiphol on Tuesday may experience longer waiting times due to a customs strike at Schiphol. Additional baggage checks are expected to cause queues in the arrival halls.

Although this may lead to inconvenience for travellers, the situation does not give rise to a right to compensation under European passenger rights.

What is happening during the customs strike at Schiphol?

Dutch customs officers at Schiphol are carrying out an action on Tuesday involving additional checks on all arriving baggage. Between 12:00 and 13:30, baggage of passengers who normally have nothing to declare will also be scanned using X-ray equipment.

The action has been organised by customs officers, supported by Dutch trade union FNV, to draw attention to their working conditions and the lack of wage increases. Due to safety requirements, customs officers are unable to completely stop working, which is why this form of action has been chosen.

The additional checks apply to passengers arriving from non-Schengen countries and take place in arrival halls 3 and 4. Passengers may build up in these areas, and the impact could be felt throughout the rest of the day. Schiphol has stated that it facilitates the action and is focused on ensuring the process remains safe and orderly.

Why does the customs strike at Schiphol not give a right to compensation?

Although the customs strike at Schiphol may cause delays and frustration, it falls outside the responsibility of the airline. The checks take place after arrival, during baggage control, and do not affect the operation of the flight itself.

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are only entitled to compensation if a delay or cancellation is caused by the airline, for example due to technical issues or strikes by airline staff. Actions by external parties, such as customs or border authorities, are considered extraordinary circumstances.

As a result, even if you experience long waiting times after landing at Schiphol due to the customs action, you are not entitled to compensation from the airline.