ACI Europe has condemned the decision by the caretaker Dutch Government to pursue a capacity reduction at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to 452,500 aircraft movements as of winter 2024. The airport trade body has also expressed concerns regarding the conditions under which a ‘temporary’ capacity reduction to 460,000 aircraft movements will be implemented as of summer 2024.
“The outcome of the Balanced Approach process for noise management conducted for the capacity reduction at Schiphol as of winter 2024 – as duly required under EU law – is just not acceptable,” commented Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe.
“Indeed, the caretaker Dutch Government has not sufficiently considered proposed alternative measures that would have allowed the stated noise mitigation targets to be achieved without requiring a capacity reduction at Schiphol. Moreover, while the decision to temporarily reduce capacity as of summer 2024 will provide much-needed legal certainty, it has been taken without conducting the Baalanced Approach process.”
He added, “These decisions are about quick political wins ahead of national elections – at the expense of the Dutch economy and jobs. We are calling upon the European Commission to urgently ensure the respect of the Balance Approach principles as per EU law.”
ACI was joined by other industry trade bodies including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Euorpean Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and European Regions Airline Association (ERA) in warning that the cuts to flight numbers at Schihpol must not proceed. They have all underlined the strong opposition against the move across the aviation industry saying it can in no way be considered “uncontroversial.” The organisations have also warned that there will be severe consequences as a result of the reduction in flights, particularly with regards to trading partners, lost jobs and prosperity.
