Today, Schiphol and five other Dutch airports campaigned against the nuisance and pollution of air traffic. Hundreds of local residents and activists protested on Jan Dellaertplein in front of Schiphol Plaza, while tens of thousands of holidaymakers once again queued for their flights in the departure hall. In addition to the politics and aviation sector, the organization also wants to reach that group.
In addition to Schiphol, the manifestation ‘Shrinkage of aviation’ was also held simultaneously at Rotterdam-The Hague Airport, Eindhoven Airport, Groningen Airport Eelde, Maastricht-Aachen Airport and Lelystad Airport. As far as the activists are concerned, Rotterdam, Groningen and Maastricht can be closed for good and Lelystad holiday airport will never be opened. Schiphol would have to surrender hundreds of thousands of flights.
turn the tide
Talking, singing and a 5-minute silent protest were held on the square in front of Schiphol Plaza. The silence started at 12:05 pm, to symbolically make clear that it is no longer five to twelve, but actually too late to turn the tide of global warming. The activists also have a message for politicians, the aviation sector and the thousands of travelers who brave the long lines at Schiphol every day.
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Initiator Cor Mastwijk is not impressed by the long lines at Schiphol nor does it believe that its supporters who are in favor of shrinking aviation are in the minority. “It seems like a very large group if we are at Schiphol,” says Mastwijk. “But those other millions of people in the Netherlands who fly don’t.”
“It is only a very small group of frequent flyers who actually destroy the climate. If we can also reach those people a bit, then I think it is fine,” says Mastwijk.
Cabinet sticks to growth
This year, Minister Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management will make the decision the future of Schiphol† For the time being, the cabinet wants stick to the aviation bill 2020-2050which states that Schiphol can earn more growth, provided the nuisance decreases.