When it comes to assessing the size of an airport, there are several factors to consider. Some of the key metrics used to evaluate the size of an airport include the number of passengers it serves, its physical land area, the number of terminals and gates it has, and the range of airlines and destinations it offers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Amsterdam Airport and explore whether it can be considered a big airport.
Passenger Volume
One of the most important indicators of an airport’s size is the number of passengers it handles each year. In 2022, Amsterdam Airport (also known as Schiphol Airport) served a total of 52,472,188 passengers, according to the airport’s official statistics. This figure puts Amsterdam Airport in the top 20 busiest airports in Europe and among the top 50 busiest airports in the world.
Land Area
Another way to assess the size of an airport is to look at its physical land area. Amsterdam Airport covers a total area of 6,887 acres, making it one of the larger airports in Europe. To put this into perspective, the airport’s land area is roughly equivalent to 27.9 square kilometers or 10.8 square miles. This makes Amsterdam Airport larger than both Munich and Heathrow airports in terms of land area.
Compared to Frankfurt airport in Germany which covers 5,683 acres, you can see that Amsterdam airport is quite big.
Terminals and Gates
The number of terminals and gates an airport has can also be an indicator of its size. Amsterdam Airport has one main terminal building with three sections: Departures 1, Departures 2, and Arrivals. The airport also has a separate terminal building for low-cost carriers, known as the H-pier. In total, Amsterdam Airport has 165 gates across its terminals, which is a significant number compared to many other airports in Europe.
Airlines
The range of airlines operating at an airport can also be a factor in determining its size. Amsterdam Airport is home to over 100 airlines, offering flights to more than 300 destinations worldwide. The airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, including KLM, Transavia, and Corendon Dutch Airlines. This extensive range of airlines and destinations contributes to the airport’s reputation as a major international hub.
Destinations
Finally, the number of destinations an airport serves can also be an indicator of its size. Amsterdam Airport offers flights to over 300 destinations worldwide, including both short-haul and long-haul flights. The airport is particularly well-connected to destinations in Europe, with many direct flights to major cities throughout the continent. Amsterdam Airport also has a significant number of direct flights to destinations in Asia and North America, making it an important hub for intercontinental travel.
Conclusion: Is Amsterdam Airport Big?
So, is Amsterdam Airport big? Based on the number of passengers it serves, the physical land area it covers, the number of terminals and gates it has, and the range of airlines and destinations it offers, the answer is a resounding yes. While not quite as large as some of the biggest airports in the world, Amsterdam Airport is certainly a major international hub, with a significant impact on air travel in Europe and beyond.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Amsterdam Airport has everything you need to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
