Simple Flying - Jake Hardiman

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) began its life as a military airfield during the First World War. It opened in this capacity in September 1916. As far as its name is concerned, the airport reports that it dates back to the 15th century when the area was rather different.

The name, at this time, referred to low lying wetland (‘hol’ or ‘holl’) from which people could collect materials with which to construct boats (‘schip’). This wetland was even a fully-fledged lake at times during its history. However, it was dredged in the 19th century for the construction of Fort Schiphol- one of several forts located around Amsterdam.

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