News item | 24-06-2022 | 16:15
Schiphol connects the Netherlands with the world via an extensive network of destinations. People fly from Schiphol to family or friends in distant countries, go on holiday or use the airport for a business trip. The good connection with the rest of the world makes an important contribution to the prosperity of the Netherlands.
But Schiphol is also located in one of the busiest parts of the Netherlands: a highly urbanized area. Residents of the region around Schiphol have to deal with the negative consequences of the airport. They are inconvenienced by flight noise and are concerned about the effects of aviation on their health, nature and the climate.
The government sees it as its task to find a balance between the importance of a good international airport, the associated good business climate and the importance of a better and healthier living environment. The Council of Ministers has approved the proposal of Minister Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management to achieve a new balance.
In considering the public interests surrounding Schiphol, the government has opted to tackle noise pollution as a matter of priority and at the same time make a choice that will preserve Schiphol’s economic function. On this basis, the government has decided that Schiphol may no longer exceed the enforcement points for noise nuisance. In practice, this means that Schiphol can handle a maximum of 440,000 flights per year. This upper limit is expected to be introduced from November next year.
With this number of flights, Schiphol can maintain its international network of destinations. The possible opening of Lelystad Airport for holiday flights could contribute to that network of destinations at Schiphol. Lelystad Airport must of course have a nature permit. And the low flight routes must be able to be solved. This takes some time. The cabinet will therefore not take a decision about Lelystad Airport before the summer of 2024.
Minister Harbers: “I want to offer certainty and perspective to both the aviation sector and local residents. This decision forms the basis for a new equilibrium. Unfortunately, it contains a difficult message for the aviation sector, which is still fully recovering from the drastic consequences of the corona pandemic. In the coming period, we will further elaborate the decision on Schiphol in consultation with local residents and all stakeholders involved in aviation.”