31 XR protesters detained at Schiphol
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee detained activists after they demonstrated beyond the security checkpoint against KLM’s frequent-flyer programme.
Thirty-one Extinction Rebellion demonstrators were detained at Schiphol on Monday. According to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, this was because of suspected trespass; the activists were escorted to the exit.
The demonstrators began their action around midday in Lounge 1, beyond the security checkpoint. According to news agency ANP, they wanted to draw attention to KLM’s frequent-flyer programme, through which travellers collect points for flights, upgrades and extra baggage, among other things.
The Marechaussee says the group was escorted outside peacefully. The detained demonstrators were taken away from the airport by bus. Where they were subsequently taken and whether they would still be questioned was not known on Monday afternoon.
XR calls the programme a way of rewarding frequent flying. The campaign group believes KLM should end the programme and do more to combat climate change. The action took place in a secured part of the airport, where strict safety rules apply alongside the right to demonstrate.
The legal boundary surrounding protests at Schiphol has previously been the subject of a court ruling. In August 2025, the Noord-Holland District Court ruled that lengthy access bans for 37 XR demonstrators were an impermissible restriction of the right to demonstrate. At the same time, the judge stressed that demonstrating does not automatically grant the right to enter every private property.
That ruling concerned access bans and not Monday’s detentions. Nor is a detention equivalent to a conviction. The Public Prosecution Service must still decide whether prosecution will follow and on what grounds.
The action once again highlights the tension between climate protest, access to an airport and responsibility for the safety of travellers and staff. XR will probably present the protest as necessary civil disobedience; the airport and the Marechaussee will mainly point to security and the interests of other users.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee detained 31 XR demonstrators at Schiphol.
- The action took place in a secured part of the airport.
- The Noord-Holland District Court previously ruled that lengthy access bans for XR demonstrators could constitute an impermissible restriction.
Left
Arguments Climate protest must be visible at the place where the companies and policy choices involved come together. From this perspective, subsequent detentions can unnecessarily criminalise a legitimate form of civil disobedience.
Values Climate justice, the right to demonstrate and the responsibility of major emitters.
Consequences A heavy-handed approach could further damage trust in institutions and push peaceful action towards riskier forms.
Centre
Arguments Demonstrating is a fundamental right, but an airport is also secured infrastructure with rules for travellers, staff and flights. The institutional approach seeks a place and form of protest that protects both interests as far as possible.
Values Legal certainty, proportionality and the continuity of public services.
Consequences This could lead to designated protest locations, clear rules set in advance and individual assessment of offences.
Right
Arguments Anyone who enters a secured airport area without permission must expect to be detained. From this perspective, climate goals cannot be enforced by putting the safety and freedom of movement of others under pressure.
Values Public order, property rights and personal responsibility.
Consequences Predictable enforcement can discourage repetition, but lengthy or broad sanctions can prove legally and socially disproportionate.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The current facts are based on an ANP report and the legal context on a court ruling. Unknown details about prosecution or release have not been presented as facts.
- confirmed 31 XR demonstrators were detained at Schiphol for suspected trespass. — ANP report via Welingelichte Kringen. source
- confirmed The action took place in Lounge 1 beyond the security checkpoint. — ANP report. source
- confirmed In 2025, the Noord-Holland District Court annulled lengthy access bans for 37 XR demonstrators. — Ruling published on Rechtspraak.nl. source
- confirmed Detention is not equivalent to a conviction. — General legal distinction; the current source reports only detentions. source
Editor's note
The detentions, location, reason and suspicion were confirmed by ANP. The further legal proceedings and any prosecution were still unknown at the time of publication.Sources
- 31 arrestaties bij actie Extinction Rebellion op Schiphol — ANP via Welingelichte Kringen
- Toegangsverboden XR op Schiphol in strijd met demonstratierecht — Rechtspraak.nl
- Schiphol mocht klimaatactivisten volgens rechter geen toegangsverboden opleggen — NOS
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „extinction rebellion”
- AD — „extinction rebellion”
- de Volkskrant — „extinction rebellion”