A decision to delay the privatisation of Schiphol airport in the face of parliamentary opposition could have a disastrous knock-on effect for other initial public offerings in the sector.

Credit Suisse First Boston and ABN Amro Rothschild were named to lead Schiphol's float, but opposition from the PvdA Labour Party, the largest party in the lower house, could delay Schiphol's privatisation until the end of the next parliament - in four years time. SSSB is advising the Dutch government on the sale.