The recent news from Schiphol Airport indicates that the planned reduction in the number of annual flight movements has been somewhat softened compared to earlier expectations. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the new limit will see the airport accommodate around 475,000 to 485,000 flights per year, marking a reduction of 3 to 5 percent from the current maximum of about 500,000 flights annually. This adjustment will commence from the start of the winter flying season in November 2025.
The previous Cabinet had aimed to cap the number of flights at 460,000 to 470,000 per year, with a decrease in the total number of yearly overnight flights from 32,000 to 27,000. The new plan emphasizes the need to meet climate change objectives and to fulfill commitments to local residents to reduce noise disruptions, particularly overnight.
Notably, Minister Barry Madlener confirmed that the total number of overnight flights will remain at the previous limit of 27,000. He also highlighted that airlines have taken measures to reduce noise pollution, with KLM and Transavia committing to using quieter aircraft during night hours. Additionally, Schiphol announced plans to significantly increase fees for airlines that utilize louder aircraft.
The ministry stated that the new package will reduce noise pollution around Schiphol by 17 percent. This outcome will occur even as the government discontinues the temporary suspension of takeoffs and landings in the afternoon on the Aalsmeerbaan and Zwanenburgbaan runways.
Schiphol Airport, the second-largest in the European Union, is owned by the Dutch State, which holds nearly 70 percent of the Royal Schiphol Group and 9.1 percent of Air France-KLM, the parent company of KLM, KLM Cityhopper, Transavia, and Martinair. KLM and KLM Cityhopper operated the most flights at Schiphol last year, with nearly 229,000 flights, followed by Transavia with 30,500 flights.
The Dutch Supreme Court previously ruled that the government cannot unilaterally reduce the number of flight movements without following the European Union’s balanced approach procedure. This ruling put the previous Cabinet’s plan on hold, including the reduction to 460,000 flights and stricter enforcement of noise regulations. The new plans will now be submitted to the European Commission for approval, after which the precise number of flights will be determined. More clarity on this calculation is expected in the autumn, the ministry stated.
Minister Barry Madlener expressed pride in the package and noted that it strikes a good balance between the interests of the surrounding community and the aviation sector. He also emphasized that the package comes with commitments from the sector to achieve the set goals, and there will be consequences if these commitments are not fulfilled.
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