99 arrested in Extinction Rebellion protest at Schiphol airport

Authorities arrested 99 protesters during an Extinction Rebellion (XR) demonstration behind passport control at Schiphol Airport, officials said Sunday. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee confirmed the arrests and stated the protesters would be brought before a public prosecutor.

The protest targeted KLM’s Frequent Flyer program, which activists argue incentivizes excessive air travel. Demonstrators poured brown-colored water in the central hall to symbolize mudslides in Valencia, part of their environmental message.

Some protesters chained themselves to luggage carts, and the event featured an XR string orchestra playing live music.

Simultaneously, Extinction Rebellion and Greenpeace staged a demonstration outside the main entrance of the airport at Schiphol Plaza. Authorities reported that this protest has since concluded.

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee did not immediately provide further details about the potential charges faced by those arrested.