The administration of Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS), the Netherlands’ main air terminal, intends to ban aircraft take-offs between 00:00 and 06:00, and landings between 00:00 and 05:00, with the aim of reducing noise pollution in the surrounding area.
See also: Airlines question compulsory reduction of flights at Amsterdam-Schiphol
Schiphol administration wants to reduce emissions and noise pollution
The measure is part of a wider initiative, proposed in order to «give the local environment, employees and the aviation industry some perspective», said Ruud Sondag, CEO of Royal Schiphol Group. «It is the only way, based on concrete measures, to regain the trust of employees, passengers, neighbours, politics and society», he added.
In a press release, management said it would seek to completely restrict night operations. This would mean a reduction of about ten thousand flights a year. It will also seek to limit as much as possible the reallocation of flights late in the day and in the early morning hours.
In addition, it wants to take a strict approach to the noisiest aircraft and gradually tighten the current regulations on aircraft allowed to operate at Schiphol. The measures could even lead to a ban on certain private jets.
The airport argues that its operations generate considerably more noise pollution and emissions than scheduled passenger services, which, on the other hand, more than cover the destinations that business jets usually fly to.
On the other hand, the administration assured that no new runway will be built at the airport, a project that has generated controversy due to the blocking of land where new housing could be built.
The measures, which would be implemented between 2025 and 2026, would reduce the loud noise nuisance caused to around 17.500 local residents, according to the management. In addition, they claim that the number of people experiencing severe sleep disorders will be reduced by approximately 13.000.
The airlines’ response
Sondag said that consultations will be held with airlines before moving forward with the implementation of the restrictions, in order to assess the impact on their operations. Unsurprisingly, this is not a proposal that airlines are looking favourably on.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the largest carrier in the Netherlands, spoke out against the measure. «We would prefer to propose joint measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and noise pollution», the company said.
«The fact that Schiphol is now independently putting forward suggestions that have far-reaching consequences for the airlines, without involving the industry parties, surprises us», KLM added.
In that sense, the company remarked that only the joint work of all industry players could generate alternatives that are supported by all parties and therefore truly effective. KLM said it will present its vision on the matter, together with its partner Delta Air Lines and other airlines operating at the airport, to the Dutch authorities by 15 June.
