Amsterdam Airport Schiphol — Fun Facts for Kids

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international airport of the Netherlands and one of Europe's best-connected aviation hubs, uniquely located below sea level.

Quick Facts About Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

IATA Code
AMS
ICAO Code
EHAM
City
Amsterdam
Country
Netherlands
Year Opened
1916
Annual Passengers
~72 million
Terminals
1
Runways
6

Welcome to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol!

Have you ever wondered what makes Amsterdam Airport Schiphol so special? Located in the wonderful city of Amsterdam, Netherlands, this airport with the code AMS (or EHAM for pilots and air traffic controllers) is one of the most fascinating airports on our planet. It first opened its doors in 1916 and has been welcoming travelers from all around the world ever since.

Every year, approximately 72 million passengers pass through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, making it one of the busiest airports in its region. With 1 terminal and 6 runways, this airport is a marvel of modern engineering and design. Located below sea level, Rijksmuseum annex inside the airport, single-terminal design, KLM hub.

Amazing Facts About Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for Kids

Here are some incredible things that make this airport truly unique and exciting:

  • ✈ The airport is built on land that used to be underwater — the Dutch are famous for reclaiming land from the sea using dikes and pumps.
  • ✈ There is a real art museum inside the airport! The Rijksmuseum Schiphol gallery displays famous Dutch paintings that passengers can enjoy for free.
  • ✈ Schiphol has 6 runways — more than almost any other European airport — because it is the hub for KLM, the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name.
  • ✈ The airport has a meditation center, a park with real trees, and even a library where travelers can borrow books for free.
  • ✈ More than 300 destinations worldwide are served from Schiphol, making it one of the best-connected airports on the planet.

🌟 Super Fun Fact!

Schiphol Airport sits 3 meters (about 10 feet) below sea level! The name "Schiphol" might come from "ship hole" because the area used to be a lake where ships would sometimes sink during storms.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in Aviation Snakes & Ladders

Did you know that Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is featured in the Aviation Snakes & Ladders board game by 2410 Games? This exciting educational game takes you on a journey through real airports from around the globe, including this very one in Amsterdam!

As you play the game, you will land on airport squares and learn real facts about each one — from the IATA codes that pilots use, to the countries and cities where these airports are located. It is a fantastic way to learn geography, aviation, and world culture while having a blast with family and friends.

The Aviation Snakes & Ladders game is designed for smart kids ages 3-12 and makes learning about world airports like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol an unforgettable adventure. Every roll of the dice is a chance to discover something new about our amazing world!

Why Learning About Airports Is Important

Airports are not just places where planes take off and land — they are incredible gateways that connect people, cultures, and countries from every corner of the Earth. When you learn about airports like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you are also learning about geography, engineering, history, and different cultures around the world.

Understanding IATA codes (like AMS) and ICAO codes (like EHAM) is something that real pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation professionals use every single day. By learning these codes now, you are taking your first step into the exciting world of aviation!

Whether you dream of becoming a pilot, an engineer, a travel writer, or just love exploring new places, knowing about the world's airports gives you a head start. And with games like Aviation Snakes & Ladders, learning is always an adventure!

Keep Learning! Educational Resources

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Loved learning about Amsterdam Airport Schiphol? Check out these other amazing airports featured in Aviation Snakes & Ladders: