**Amsterdam Schiphol to Take Over Passenger Assistance for Reduced Mobility by 2028**
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has announced that it will directly manage assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) starting in early 2028, a service currently outsourced to Axxicom Airport Caddy, a subsidiary of the Dutch Facilicom Groep. The decision, made public on July 12, 2026, follows sustained pressure from the FNV Luchtvaart union and a petition signed by over 300 PRM employees demanding that the service be brought "under the wings of Schiphol." Approximately 1,000 workers will be affected by this reorganization, which aims to give the airport greater control over continuity, quality, and future developments of PRM services.
**Regulatory Context and Growing Demand**
Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, major European airports are responsible for ensuring assistance to PRM passengers, from terminal contact points to the aircraft seat, including support for wheelchairs (electric or manual) and visually impaired travelers. Schiphol states it complies with this regulation and with ECAC Doc 30 recommendations. Service standards require maximum waiting times of 10–30 minutes for most departing passengers and 5–20 minutes for arrivals, provided the request is pre-notified at least 36 hours before scheduled departure or arrival. The airport has seen a steady increase in PRM assistance requests, driven by an aging population and rising air traffic, which has at times strained service timelines. This growth makes the service strategically important for Schiphol in terms of quality, reputation, and regulatory compliance.
**Transition and Employment Guarantees**
The transition will be gradual, with Axxicom Airport Caddy continuing to provide services under its current contract until early 2028. Schiphol and Facilicom Groep have reached agreements on employment protection: all approximately 1,000 Axxicom employees assigned to PRM services are guaranteed a position, with precise transfer modalities yet to be defined. Both entities emphasize close consultation with unions and regular updates to staff. The airport is also exploring technological solutions, such as dedicated planning systems and autonomous wheelchairs tested in certain terminal areas, to improve service fluidity.
**Union Pressure and Industry Implications**
The decision marks a victory for FNV Luchtvaart, which had campaigned against regular tendering of PRM services, arguing it led to competition "at the expense of passengers." Schiphol had previously considered other options, including a new tender or an intermediate solution. This internalization reflects a broader trend in European aviation where airports are reassessing outsourced services to enhance quality control and labor relations. For ATPL and ATC students, this case illustrates how regulatory frameworks (EU 1107/2006) and social pressures shape airport operations, directly affecting ground handling procedures and passenger flow management that pilots and controllers must coordinate with.