Following pressure from the US and EU, the Dutch government has increased its flight cap at Schiphol Airport.
Last year, the airport proposed reducing annual flights from 500 000 to 460 000 from April this year to minimise emissions and noise pollution. After significant backlash from airlines, Iata, the US and the EU, Schiphol has said it will permit an additional 13 000 flights during 2024’s peak summer season, compared with its initial proposed cap of 280 000 flights.
Schiphol will now accommodate a total of 483 000 flights in 2024, with plans to provide capacity for only 293 000 flights during the summer season (March 31 to October 26) on the condition that airlines assist with alleviating pressure during this peak period. The airport has also promised to find alternative solutions to combat pollution with airlines’ participation.
“At the request of the minister, we reviewed what was operationally possible after the experimental scheme was taken off the table. More flights are now possible, but this is only safe and responsible provided we reduce pressure on certain peak hours,” said Patricia Vitalis, Executive Director of Operations at Royal Schiphol Group.
Vitalis called for collaborative efforts from the entire aviation sector and involved government partners to reduce peak traffic for passengers’ safety and convenience.
In response, KLM released a statement assuring that it would contribute to this effort. “Stable, predictable operations are vital for customers and employees, who understandably expect this from us... KLM will obviously do everything possible to operate the number of flights it has been allocated.”
Furthermore, KLM has reportedly agreed to specific measures to combat pollution, including operating its quietest aircraft at night and avoiding passenger operations between 00h00 and 06h00.
According to the Royal Schiphol Group, the independent slot co-ordinator is currently in talks with airlines to assess how the number of flights can be reduced, strategising morning capacity peaks from 68 to 65 arrivals per hour.
Consultation for the winter season (October 27 to March 30) will follow later in 2024.
