Airport News

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has launched a complete renovation project of Departure Lounge 2, which it says is part of its strategy of “investing in quality and passenger comfort”.

Located beyond passport control, the new layout, will see the lounge increase its retail and F&B capacity by around 20%, and is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2015.

The transformation will be sub-divided into seven theme worlds for passengers, with each offering a specific experience, and will include: Luxury, Family, Travel & Culture, Modern Dutch, See Buy Fly, Fashion & Lifestyle, and Care & Wellness.

Each will be characterised by its use of specific materials and designs, and includes services such as seating areas, F&B outlets and shops, while furnishings will focus on the use of sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood and LED lighting with motion sensors.

Among shops will be the Johnnie Walker House retail store, and other new arrivals include M&Ms Amsterdam, and a Gucci store, while Bulgari, Hermès, Mont Blanc and Rolex will be among brands featured in the Departure Lounge 2.

F&B concepts will include Amsterdam Bread Co, Asian restaurant Kebaya, Café Cocó, Starbucks and the Heineken Bar, while passengers can re-energise at XpresSpa.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol says shops in Departure Lounge 2 will remain partially open during the refurbishment, with smaller, temporary sites, and passengers will be able to use facilities in Departure Lounge 3.

The gateway explains that work will be carried out in phases, with as much as possible being done at night.

An airport statement explains: “The renovation of Departure Lounge 2 is part of the Master Plan, a comprehensive renovation programme for Schiphol to strengthen its capacity and improve levels of comfort and efficiency for passengers.

“The Master Plan includes the introduction of centralised security throughout the terminal, the construction of a new Hilton hotel, the development of Area A to the south of the terminal, and the renovation of the security filter in Departure Hall 1.

“Construction work started in July 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2018.”

More than 14 million people travel through Departure Lounge 2 annually, with more than half transferring at Schiphol.