Dutch court in Haarlem blocks flight cutback plan for Schiphol…
The Dutch government cannot introduce a cap to lower flight numbers at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport later this year, a local court has ruled. This blocks one of the most high-profile attempts yet, anywhere, to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact. A Haarlem court ruled that the Dutch government could not cut flight numbers by 8% to 460,000 per year, as it had not gone through the correct procedures when it introduced the rules as temporary measures. The court ruled that “According to European rules, the state can only reduce the number of air transport movements at an airport after going through a careful process.” The airline industry had brought the case against the government, claiming (despite growth plans) that it was working hard to reduce aircraft noise levels and CO2 emissions. KLM, easyJet, Tui and Delta were also involved in bringing the case, which was based on the local impact of flying, including noise and NO2, and could have become a test case. Dutch public policy contrasts with the UK, where the government has said airport capacity growth is consistent with its so called “net zero” 2050 targets. .Tweet Dutch court blocks flight cutback at Schiphol airport Closely watched court ruling against the government is a boost for the airline industry By Philip Georgiadis, Transport Correspondent (FT) 5.4.2023 The Dutch government cannot introduce a cap to lower flight numbers at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport later this year, a local court ruled on Wednesday, blocking one of the most high-profile attempts yet to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact. A Haarlem court ruled that the government could not cut flight numbers by 8 per cent to 460,000 per year because it had not gone through the correct procedures when it introduced the rules as temporary measures. “According to European rules, the state can only reduce the number of air transport movements at an airport after going through a careful process,” the court said in a statement. The ruling is a boost for the airline industry, which brought the case against the government and pointed to its longstanding efforts to reduce aircraft noise levels and carbon emissions, including through the introduction of newer aircraft. “With our measures we see a better alternative for achieving less noise and CO₂ while meeting travellers’ need to fly,” said Dutch carrier KLM. Other carriers including easyJet, Tui and Delta were also involved in bringing the case. Schiphol said the court decision provided clarity and pledged to “continue with everything we do to make aviation quieter and cleaner”. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has been contacted for comment. The case rested on the local impact of flying, including noise and nitrogen dioxide levels and was closely watched within the European aviation i
