Entrance of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol at dusk, located southwest of Amsterdam. — Amsterdam Airport Schiphol entrance at dusk, located southwest of the city. (Photo by Getty)

Taking A Closer Look at Key Management and Schiphol Airport Security

By Eric van der Hoef

1 April 2025

Security Technology, April 2025

Security is a top priority at every touchpoint in today's fast-paced airport environment. Key management is a critical component to that, and airports like Amsterdam Schiphol, which was the third busiest airport in the world for international passengers in 2023, rely on innovative solutions to ensure the safe and secure management of their physical keys and access cards.

From its humble beginnings as a small airfield in the early 20th century, Schiphol has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility with more than 70 million passengers passing through its gates each year.

One factor that sets Schiphol airport apart from others is its blend of modern infrastructure and historic architecture. The airport’s iconic Terminal 1 building dates to the 1960s and is now a designated heritage site, while its newer terminals offer sleek and modern facilities. This blend of old and new creates a distinctive atmosphere that is both nostalgic and futuristic.

In 2005, Schiphol’s security team recognized the need for a more sophisticated key management system to integrate security innovations into its ecosystem. The team needed a reliable and secure way to manage access to a variety of areas for an ever-changing number of users with varying access levels.

It turned to Traka to develop a customized key management system to meet the Schiphol team’s unique needs. By integrating Traka’s key management system into its operational strategy, Schiphol’s security team created a more efficient and secure way to manage access to all sectors of the facility. The system provides real-time tracking and accountability for keys, allowing the airport to ensure that personnel only have access to the areas they should be in.

The key management system is used for a variety of applications, including bicycle keys, car keys, and access to many areas. Biometric iris-scanning columns added to electronic cabinets provide an extra layer of access security, allowing Schiphol to control who has taken a key and when that key is removed. These features also enable the airport to verify the identity of individuals attempting to access all areas, further enhancing security.

In an emergency, Schiphol can quickly identify who was responsible for removing a key from the cabinet, ensuring accountability and swift action.

Along with security benefits, the key management system is also user-friendly and communicates well with other systems. Schiphol has integrated it with their Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), allowing for real-time authorization updates and automatic pass blocking for former employees. This integration has significantly enhanced operations at Schiphol, making it easier for the airport to manage access to sensitive areas.

In an emergency, Schiphol can quickly identify who was responsible for removing a key from the cabinet, ensuring accountability and swift action.

The system has undergone several upgrades over the years, including a migration to Traka’s proprietary software—TrakaWEB—at the end of 2021. This migration enables Schiphol to take advantage of new features and functionality, most notably an integration with their existing physical access control system.

Schiphol employees can use the same badge for building access that they can for access to the key cabinet. Not only does this eliminate the need for multiple badges (which can represent separate security risks) but it also streamlines the deactivation process for employees who leave or are terminated. These measures further highlight the effectiveness of Schiphol’s integrated key management system.

Overall, Schiphol's commitment to innovation and security has enabled it to maintain its position as one of the world's busiest airports while ensuring its passengers' and staff's safety and security.

As the aviation industry evolves, airports must prioritize similar key management measures as a critical aspect of their security strategy. By leveraging innovative solutions like Traka's, airports can ensure the safe and secure management of their keys, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and enhancing overall security.

Eric van der Hoef is the managing director for Traka Netherlands. He has been a part of the Traka Netherlands team for more than 15 years and served as an account manager before transitioning to managing director.