The Dutch government has announced its intention to limit flights at Schiphol to 478,000 aircraft movements next year.
Earlier this year, the government announced it would limit flights at the airport to between 475,000-485,000 movements as part of efforts to reduce noise at the airport.
The cut has now been confirmed at 478,000, which is around 4.4% down on the current 500,000 limit.
The reduction is less than a previous proposal to limit flights to 440,000, which was legally challenged, and a second move to reduce slots to 460,000 that was dropped after a court ruled the proposals did not comply with EU requirements to follow a “balanced approach” procedure.
However, KLM has expressed its disappointment with the development and said much of the noise reduction targets could be met by using quieter aircraft.
“KLM finds it incomprehensible that the cabinet still intends to reduce to 478,000 aircraft movements,” the airline said in a press release.
“Limiting the number of flights also carries a significant risk of retaliatory measures from other countries, which will not only affect aviation but also other Dutch companies.
“We have serious doubts about the assumptions on which the ministry has based this number. The decision-making process does not meet the requirements of a careful Balanced Approach procedure, in which achieving the intended policy goal is central: noise reduction.
“Reduction of flight movements is not an end in itself and is expected to be legally unsustainable. We await the advice of the European Commission.”
In the past, air cargo groups have warned that a reduction in flight numbers would disproportionately affect freighter operators as they often rely on unused slots that are put back into a pool for airlines to apply for. With less slots available, the number of unused flights is likely to be lower.
In other cargo-related developments at the airport, Schiphol head of cargo Joost van Doesburg announced he would step down from the role with the airport citing “unjust defamatory allegations” made against him in its response to the news.
The airport has also announced plans to hike its rates next year, with air cargo groups hitting out at the plans.
Joost van Doesburg quits Schiphol Airport after difficult tenure
Cargo groups complain to Dutch competition authority over Schiphol price hikes
The post Dutch government announces latest plan to limit Schiphol flights appeared first on Air Cargo News.