paroolOct 18, 2026, 09:26

Long wait times at Schiphol due to electronic passport control failure

Schiphol Airport is facing significant passenger delays after a technical failure incapacitated its automated eGate passport control system on Sunday morning. Royal Netherlands Marechaussee officers are currently conducting manual checks as they investigate the cause of the malfunction, which is not believed to be a cyberattack.

Schiphol Airport has been experiencing significant disruptions since 6:00 a.m. on Sunday due to a malfunction in its electronic passport control system. The automated eGates, which utilize facial recognition technology to verify travel documents, are currently offline. As a result, members of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee are performing manual passport checks at the counters to maintain security protocols, leading to extended wait times for departing and transferring passengers. A spokesperson for the Marechaussee stated that while the cause of the failure is currently under investigation, authorities have ruled out a cyberattack as the source of the problem.

This incident adds to ongoing difficulties reported at the airport regarding the integration of new border control technologies. Internal documentation previously highlighted that recurring technical issues with the Entry/Exit System have repeatedly hindered the efficiency of the airport’s border control processes. Schiphol management has acknowledged the current delays on its website and is advising travelers to expect higher traffic volumes than normal as manual processing continues.

Technology Amsterdam Netherlands World

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Seizure of 'Antifa server' at US request leads to questions and concerns

Dutch authorities have seized a server belonging to the Italian hosting provider Autistici/Inventati at the request of the United States. The U.S. government classifies the company as a terrorist entity, sparking concerns among Dutch digital rights groups and industry associations regarding the precedent for such cross-border legal actions.

Police seize server at data center in Amsterdam-Oost at the request of the US

Police in Amsterdam have seized a server from a data center in the city's eastern district at the request of the United States. The action targets an Italian internet provider suspected by American authorities of facilitating the antifascist movement antifa.

GVB sees future for self-driving shuttles in Amsterdam: An excellent opportunity to address labor shortages

The Amsterdam transport operator GVB plans to test small, driverless shuttle buses within the next three years. This initiative aims to address severe labor shortages and eventually transition the city's regular bus network toward autonomous operations.

Pro-Palestinian protester convicted of group insult, but receives no punishment

A pro-Palestinian protester was convicted of defaming Jewish people for making Holocaust-related remarks during an April demonstration. Although the court also found him guilty of insulting police officers, he received no fine or immediate punishment due to the personal consequences he has already faced from media attention.

Water board warns: North Holland not well prepared for rising sea levels

Water board official Bea de Buisonjé warns that North Holland is ill-prepared for rising sea levels, noting that traditional technical solutions are no longer sufficient. Authorities are calling for increased water storage capacity and improved flood-resilient urban planning to protect vulnerable areas.