Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport has launched a compensation program for travellers who missed their flights because of lengthy delays that have plagued the busy European hub for months.
Schiphol's announcement Thursday night heads off a possible mass claim for compensation by passengers who saw their holiday plans evaporate amid hours-long queues for security screening.
The Dutch airport was one of several across Europe, including London's Heathrow, that was plunged into chaos by staff shortages and soaring demand as air travel rebounded strongly from two years of COVID-19 restrictions.
Airlines and airports slashed jobs during the pandemic, making it difficult to quickly ramp back up to serve the new burst of travellers.
"A lot of people have really been looking forward to their holidays abroad, especially after two years of COVID. We're extremely sorry that some people have missed their flight due to the long security control queue," Schiphol CEO Dick Benschop said in a statement.