Paris — Amsterdam's Schiphol airport managed to prevent a staff-shortage-related collapse of operations on Saturday by cancelling dozens of flights.

Passengers should expect crowds and long waits, the airport announced on Saturday. Long queues formed at the front of the terminal buildings, with the fire department distributing water to those waiting.

Dutch airline KLM had cancelled 47 flights for Saturday and Sunday after an appeal from the airport. Other airlines shifted some departures and arrivals to Rotterdam.

The airport said passenger numbers at Schiphol fell by about 3,500 on Saturday.

The congestion at Schiphol, a major international hub, has been caused by a lack of ground staff linked to a wider labour market shortage, according to airport sources.

The situation got out of hand last Saturday after an unannounced work stoppage by KLM ground staff. Dozens of flights had to be cancelled and thousands of travellers crowded the terminals. Motorway exits were closed and travellers were called upon to stop driving to the airport.

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