Title: Schiphol Airport Flight Cuts: Less Drastic Than Expected, 475,000 Annual Movements Likely
Schiphol Airport, a significant European aviation hub, will experience a reduction in annual flight movements, yet the extent of the cuts will be less severe than anticipated. The Dutch government, in conjunction with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, aims to decrease the maximum number of flight movements per year from approximately 500,000 to between 475,000 and 485,000. This adjustment will come into effect during the winter flying season, starting in November 2025.
The reduction, amounting to 3-5% of the current limit, will help the airport comply with climate change targets and address noise pollution concerns, particularly in residential areas. The new measures include a decrease in the total number of nightly flights to 27,000, which is a commitment from the previous Cabinet.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management further clarified that the total number of nightly flights will remain at 27,000, despite the government’s previous intention to temporarily halt takeoffs and landings during the afternoon on two runways due to noise concerns. This decision was influenced by the Dutch State’s ownership of nearly 70% of the Royal Schiphol Group and 9.1% of Air France-KLM, the parent company of KLM and its subsidiaries.
KLM, the largest passenger airline at Schiphol, along with KLM Cityhopper, Transavia, and Martinair, have taken steps to reduce noise pollution. KLM and Transavia have committed to using quieter aircraft during night hours, while Schiphol has increased fees for airlines that use louder aircraft.
In July, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled in favor of the aviation sector, stating that the government cannot unilaterally reduce the number of flight movements without following the European Union’s balanced approach procedure. This led to the suspension of the previous Cabinet’s plan to reduce flights to 460,000 and enforce stricter noise regulations.
The new plans will now undergo review by the European Commission, which will approve the exact number of flights after this process. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management expects more information on this calculation in the autumn. Minister Barry Madlener expressed satisfaction with the balance struck between the interests of the local community and the aviation industry, highlighting the sector’s commitments to achieving these goals.
This development marks a shift in Schiphol’s approach to balancing growth with environmental and community concerns, showcasing a collaborative effort between the government, the airport, and the airlines to find a sustainable solution.
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