Dutch airline KLM has expressed confusion over the government's decision to cap flights at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport to a maximum of 478,000 annually starting next year. The company challenges the assumptions that led to this figure.
"KLM fully supports the objectives to reduce noise disturbance for residents around Schiphol," the airline stated. "We are investing €7 billion in quieter aircraft and have proposed substantial measures. This demonstrates that reducing Schiphol's size is unnecessary to achieve the noise reduction goals." Despite these efforts, KLM finds it difficult to understand why the government is proceeding with flight reductions.
The airline warns that limiting flight numbers poses significant risks, including potential retaliatory actions from other countries that could impact not only aviation but also other Dutch businesses. KLM is concerned that reducing landing rights for international airlines at Schiphol could lead to reciprocal restrictions abroad, affecting important markets like the United States.
Resident groups, represented by the Social Council Schiphol (MRS), are also critical. They argue that setting the flight cap at 478,000 means the government's goal to reduce noise disturbance by 20% will not be met, leaving residents without the promised protection. Environmental organizations, including Milieudefensie and Greenpeace, welcomed the slight reduction but believe the number of flights remains too high to adequately protect residents and reduce harmful emissions.
Sijas Akkerman of the North Holland Nature and Environment Federation commented, "Earlier this year, a court ruled that the interests of Schiphol's neighbors have been consistently subordinated to the economic interests of airlines. The government is now disregarding that ruling, resulting in continued excessive noise nuisance for residents."
Source: NOS Article