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New slot allocation procedures at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport are expected to improve access for cargo airlines by allowing ad hoc slots to be reassigned much earlier in the scheduling process. The new approach, to be introduced from the Winter 2026 season, is intended to make more efficient use of the airport's limited capacity. Air Cargo Netherlands has called since many years for a more efficient approach on slots.

Under the revised system, ad hoc slots can be reallocated well before the operating season begins, providing cargo operators with greater planning certainty and increasing the likelihood that available capacity can be utilised. Air cargo has traditionally had more limited access to slots than passenger services, making efficient slot management particularly important as Schiphol continues to operate under strict flight movement constraints.

In a separate development, Schiphol has announced the outcome of its tender for passenger ground handling services. From 2027, only three companies (dnata, KLM and Viggo) will provide passenger baggage handling and ramp services, replacing the current six-handler model. The changes do not directly affect cargo handling services, where the current providers, including KLM, dnata, Swissport, WFS/Menzies and DHL, will continue to operate. Nevertheless, the wider reorganisation of ground operations is expected to require a significant transition period. Air Cargo Netherlands (ACN) has warned to prepare for temporary operational disruptions resulting from staff transfers and the introduction of new operational procedures, particularly in the run-up to summer 2027". The entire airside operation at Schiphol will be reorganised," the association noted.