The Dutch government is set to proceed with plans to reduce the number of flights allowed at Schiphol airport later this year after a ruling in a Netherlands appeals court on Friday (7 July).
The airport previously announced plans to reduce annual flight numbers from 500,000 to 460,000 starting from November 2023 as part of the government’s environmental policies to reduce noise and air pollution.
The verdict comes three months after a Dutch court ruled the government’s plan was in violation of the EU’s Aviation Act as a group of airlines, including KLM, took legal action against the “unilateral” reduction in flights at the Netherlands hub.
KLM has hit out against the latest court decision, expressing disappointment and confusion.
In a statement on Friday the Dutch flag carrier said it is “studying” the ruling and that the court did not “specify in concrete terms” how the regulation would be applied.
“As a result, it is currently unclear when, how and in what way the ruling will be implemented and what it means for the number of aircraft movements at Schiphol,” the carrier said.
The statement continued: “KLM will continue to engage with other stakeholders in seeking the best way to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise. To this end, we have submitted a plan for cleaner, quieter, more fuel-efficient flight operations on 15 June. We are convinced that these measures will enable us to reduce noise impact and CO2 emissions, while retaining our network.
“We would very much like to achieve this in cooperation with government and airport authorities, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) and other stakeholders, within the framework of the balanced approach required by the EU in the context of the noise reduction targets the ministry has set.”
Together with Delta Air Lines and easyJet, the carrier had previously said the reduction in flights was “incomprehensible”, and would “negatively impact” the country’s economy and “significantly reduce travel options and connectivity for consumers”.
Willie Walsh, director general of airline association IATA, said the court’s decision was a “disappointing outcome” for travellers, airlines and the Dutch economy.
“As we examine the ruling and its complexities, we seek clarity from the Dutch government on its intentions,” added Walsh. “The full impact of this decision on the planned capacity cuts is unclear and there are no established international processes for such a retrograde exercise.
“We also urge the European Commission to defend its laws and air service agreements, and most importantly, we continue to ask the Dutch government to revert to the balanced approach which is the most effective and only internationally accepted means of dealing with the noise concerns of the local community.”
Earlier this year, Schiphol said that the reduction from 500,000 to 460,000 flights per year was a “necessary intermediate step” as part of its commitment to reduce noise and emissions. It also called on the government to produce a “new Airport Traffic Decree containing hard environmental limits” as soon as possible.