TNO conducts the independent investigation initiated by AFS and Schiphol into the cause of the fuel failure. This investigation will also focus on the AFS fire that occurred on August 9, 2019.
In a response to the way in which communication was present with travelers present at or on the way to the airport during the malfunction, the Minister informed us that Schiphol itself had drawn up its own evaluation of the events during the malfunction. Based on this, Schiphol will enter into discussions with all sector parties on how to improve crisis management and communication (including traveler accommodation, care, sleeping places, etc.).
Schiphol liability.
Since the cause of the failure in the fuel supply is not yet known, it cannot be said that Schiphol should be held liable. Only when this is known will issues related to debt, culpability and liability come up for discussion, according to the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management.
In addition, it varies from case to case whether a traveler can invoke the Passenger Rights Regulation, the Package Travel Directive and / or the Montreal Convention for compensation, depending on whether there is force majeure (exceptional circumstances) for the airlines.
Communications Aircraft Fuel Supply (AFS).
About the fact that the company Aircraft Fuel Supply (AFS) has not yet commented on the malfunction, and that Schiphol has only responded in writing, where they would otherwise like to appear in front of the camera, says Minister C. van Nieuwenhuizen Wijbenga:
“Communication about the incident and the cause is the responsibility of these organizations. They determine their communication policy themselves ”
Schiphol and AFS have jointly appointed TNO as an independent party to investigate the causes of the disruptions. It is not yet known when this evaluation will be completed. The AFS and Schiphol have requested TNO to identify the immediate cause as soon as possible so that any additional measures can be taken immediately so that the chance of recurrence can be minimized.
Also read: Daily KLM bus services to Schiphol are climate-neutral
