The Schiphol contraction at the end of this year will not happen. In summary proceedings, the court ruled that the cabinet should not allow fewer planes to take off from the airport.
KLM had sued the government and was supported by several airlines. Companies say there are other ways to limit emissions and noise pollution, such as focusing on quieter airplanes.
They also pointed to European rules that may have been violated. The judge admits that the cabinet did not go through the proper process. According to European regulations, the downsizing decision can only be taken after consulting all parties, defining the measures against noise pollution and determining that these measures are not effective enough.
The ministry wanted to reduce the number of flights in Schiphol from 500,000 to 460,000 from November this year. A year later, this needs to be further reduced to 440,000 flights. However, the government is working on the procedure for the second discount. KLM: “We’d rather work together than talk in court. Unfortunately, summary judgment was necessary as we needed clarity from the judge; Capacity should be determined for the next winter at the beginning of May. That clarity is there now.”
“Nothing is coming”
The judge’s decision for Barın, the umbrella organization of the airlines, did not come as a surprise. President Marnix Fruitema sees this as a step to continue discussing the future of the airport together. “Ultimately, I think we all want the same thing, but perspective needs to be given to the industry as well. We will work on this together.”
Environmental groups were disappointed with the decision. “This decision may cause delay, but Schiphol will shrink. We are convinced of that.” The Ministry of Infrastructure says it is reviewing the decision and evaluating “possible next steps”.
The case the judge decides is independent of the plans Schiphol announced yesterday. The airport no longer wants to allow night flights to avoid noise pollution.
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.
