Safety Day 2026

In 2026, we will once again put safety in the spotlight at the end of November. A safe operation does not happen automatically: everyone at Schiphol, including colleagues and partners from a wide range of disciplines, contributes to it every day. Through Safety Day, we aim to raise awareness that a safe working environment is everyone's responsibility. 

That is why this year we have chosen an overarching and fundamental theme for a safe workplace and airport: Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

The diversity of safety 

In our dynamic 24/7 organisation, safety is often associated with aviation and passenger security. While these are essential for ensuring that travellers can move safely from A to B, safety at Schiphol extends far beyond that. It also includes fire safety in the terminal, construction safety at our building sites, traffic safety on the airside, environmental safety to protect the quality of our soil and air, and occupational health and safety to ensure that everyone at Schiphol can work safely, whether in the operation or in the office.

Safety plays a crucial role throughout our airport, and everyone has a responsibility in contributing to it.

Choose and sign up for an activity

During this event, a variety of activities will be organized. For three of these activities, 20 spots have been reserved exclusively for Spot community members.

Interested? Take a look at the activities below and register using the button.

1. Opening of Safety Day: Keynote by Herman Hello-Errone

Safety Day will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with an opening address by Hedzer Komduur, Director Safety & Environment, followed by a keynote presentation by Herman Hello-Errone.  

Former KLM captain Herman Hello-Errone takes us inside the cockpit. Drawing on his experience as both a pilot and Head of Training, he explains how aviation has evolved into an environment where safety always comes first. Not by eliminating mistakes, but by being open about them and learning from them together.Building on this concept of a just culture, he translates lessons and anecdotes from the cockpit into our daily work. What can we at Schiphol learn from the way a flight crew collaborates, speaks up, and helps one another stay sharp?

About Herman
Herman spent many years flying as a captain on aircraft including the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787, and held various leadership positions at KLM. Today, he helps organizations outside the aviation industry translate the safety culture of the cockpit into their own daily practice.

Time and location: 9:30-10:45 a.m. | Auditorium, Schiphol Building (SHG)

2. HalloSlaap: Sleep Better, Feel More Energised 

A good night’s sleep offers countless benefits for both body and mind. You feel more energized, perform better, and can adapt more quickly to changing situations. This is also essential for carrying out your work safely. Sleeping well not only helps you at work, but also at home. You have more energy, feel better overall, and enjoy your daily activities more.

During this one-hour interactive session, you will gain the following insights:
• Why is good sleep so important?
The function and role of sleep
What should you do, and avoid doing, to sleep better?
Golden tips, tricks, and practical exercises!

Time and location:12:30 - 13:30 | Auditorium, Schiphol Building (SHG)

3. The Bataclan Attack: A Personal Story by Ferry Zandvliet 

On 13 November 2015, a series of terrorist attacks took place in Paris. One of the targets was the Bataclan concert hall, where Ferry Zandvliet was attending a concert with friends and survived the attack. During Safety Day, Ferry will share his personal story about what happened that evening, the impact it had on his life, and the lessons he has learned from the experience. 

His story closely connects with this year's Safety Day theme: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Through his open and personal account, Ferry encourages us to reflect on the small moments that can make a big difference. About staying alert, being aware of your surroundings, and trusting your instincts when something does not feel right. Not from a place of fear, but from the belief that safety is a shared responsibility. This inspiring session, initiated by Security, is both thought-provoking and deeply impactful.

Time and location:15:30 - 17:00 | Auditorium, Schiphol Building (SHG)