Amsterdam — Facing major problems at check-in desks at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, Dutch airline KLM has intervened and drastically reduced ticket sales.Until Sunday, flights from Amsterdam could only be booked very sporadically, the airline announced. A KLM spokesperson told TV station NOS on Thursday that only more expensive tickets were available.

For weeks, the airport has been struggling with staff shortages in baggage handling and security. Long queues are forming, with passengers often having to wait for hours. There have already been a few altercations involving angry travellers.

KLM wants to allow for more rebooking by restricting new ticket sales. Passengers who miss their flight because of the long waiting times can take the next one. The airline is also offering rebooking to customers who want to fly on another day because of the chaos.

Schiphol presented a plan of action on Thursday to prevent even greater chaos in the peak travel months until September. The airport plans to recruit more staff and pay higher wages. Flights are also to be transferred to regional airports.

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