Could the cabinet order a reduction in the number of flights to Schiphol from the end of this year? This issue was discussed in court today in Haarlem. KLM, along with other airlines, filed a summary lawsuit against the government’s intent to downsize. Companies believe they can achieve less noise and CO2 emissions with the same number of flights, and that alternatives are not being considered.
In June last year, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Harbers announced that from 1 November 2023, the maximum number of flights Schiphol is allowed to operate will need to be reduced. That’s an 8 percent reduction from 500,000 to 460,000 flight movements. A year later, another 20,000 must be removed.
The airlines joined forces in an urgent case against the state. KLM is the leader, accounting for 60 percent of all flights at the airport. The government gets support from people living near Schiphol. There was no shortage of lawyers: According to the presiding judge, a case involving 29 lawyers could be entered in the Guinness Book of Records.
What do the airlines say?
Again, KLM’s lawyer on behalf of Delta Airlines, Corendon, EasyJet and TUI described the plan as negligent, unfair and unlawful.
The main point of airlines is that the decision is made unilaterally and this is not allowed. According to the lawyer, the interests of the various parties involved must be taken into account, even according to European rules.
This so-called balanced approach is a long process, with several rounds of consultations in which medium and long-term measures should emerge. According to the airlines, if these are not enough, then narrowing can be considered.
No future perspective
But the resistance by KLM and others to this downsizing does not mean they are unwilling to contribute solutions.
KLM says investing in sustainability requires a future-oriented perspective. The lawyer wondered how KLM could invest 10 billion euros in more sustainable and less inconvenience airplanes and had no prospects for the future.
According to the attorney, KLM and other airlines also see challenges for the government, aviation industry and society in terms of noise pollution, CO2, nitrogen, particulate matter, quality of life and sustainability.
What does the state say?
According to the public prosecutor’s office, capacity reduction is possible without this balanced approach procedure. This procedure had already been carried out for airport traffic regulations (LVB) from 2008 so it would no longer be necessary.
The reduction in the number of flights by country is necessary to restore balance in the airport and the surrounding area, clearly taking into account health and the environment.
In any case, the interests of Schiphol and the airlines were taken into account, according to the prosecutor. “440,000 flight movements are sufficient to ensure Schiphol’s central function and keep the Netherlands well connected to the rest of the world.”
“No Infinite Growth”
And yes, this decision could have negative consequences for the aviation industry, according to the government, but the potential disadvantages do not outweigh the benefits for society. In addition, the government expects airlines to pass on lost revenues to customers.
Prosecutor: “Companies are reacting with the idea that growth never stops. The fact that companies are against shrinkage always surprises the state.”
Schiphol and its inhabitants
Schiphol and residents were also present in the room. Above all, Schiphol wanted to know where the situation was: in mid-April, companies must submit their winter plans.
Neighborhood residents gathered at the Right to Protection from Aircraft Noise (RBV) Foundation argue that it is illegal to make 500,000 aircraft movements anyway. According to their lawyers, the legal maximum is 400,000 flight movements.
According to RBV, airlines show little respect for the personal living environment of people living near Schiphol. While airlines claim that noise pollution has decreased in recent years, locals claim otherwise, according to the report of the Dutch Environmental Inspection Agency.
The decision will be made no later than Friday, April 7th.
Source: NOS
Roy Brown is a renowned economist and author at The Nation View. He has a deep understanding of the global economy and its intricacies. He writes about a wide range of economic topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and labor markets.
