The Dutch right-wing government recommends cutting up to 15% of all slots at Amsterdam Schiphol. This translates into a reduction of 22,000 take-offs and landings per year, from 500,000 down to 478,000. The scheme aims to protect residents from noise emissions and pollution caused by aircraft in general, argue the rulers in The Hague. Should the current plans not be altered, judges might have the last say.
EU questions The Hague’s traffic decisions
Moreover, the EU Commission is also involved in the case. In a statement, it supports the plans of Infrastructure Minister, Barry Madlener, in principle. At the same time, however, it gives the Dutch politician a resounding slap in the face. This is because his traffic scheme lacks alternative actions to lower noise emissions, argues Brussels. In particular, the minister did not take into account the fleet renewal of KLM and its subsidiary Transavia, which would have contributed to a measurable reduction in noise levels. In this respect, Madlener’s calculations are based on incorrect data, the EU watchdogs claim.
The tunes from Brussels are music to the ears of the two Dutch airlines, who see their arguments strengthened by the EU Commission. They point out that 46 brand-new aircraft stationed in AMS were not included in the minister’s noise and air traffic considerations. This also applies to orders that will enter service in the coming years and further reduce the noise footprint.
No room for altering traffic decisions, Madlener
In response to the objection from Brussels, Madlener claimed that the fleet modernization of KLM and Transavia has indeed been considered by his experts in the planned reduction of air traffic at Schiphol. He added that, contrary to Brussels’ assertion, further noise abatement measures had already been ordered and that there was no more room for maneuvering. He therefore stands by his decision to further cut take-off and landing rights come the next winter flight schedule.
Noise reduction through new aircraft
In an initial reaction, KLM spoke of an inappropriate response from Madlener to Brussels. In contrast to the politician, the airline assumes that the noise values, which have already been reduced because of the modernization of the fleet, have not been included in his slot decisions, as also criticized by Brussels. The airline has so far left open whether it will take legal action to have the basis of the decisions made reviewed and, if necessary, revised by a court.
IATA speaks up
KLM is also supported by the airline association, IATA. The organization objects the slot cut intended by the Dutch government because it is not in line with the EU Commission’s “measured approach”. Hence, IATA demands that The Hague stops its slot cutting policy. This will have to be done by 08MAY25, because the flight rights for the coming winter flight schedule will be determined beginning that date.
Should Madlener fail to meet this deadline, take-off and landing rights could only be reduced again in MAR26, i.e. at the start of the summer flight itinerary.
Things are complicated by a looming conflict with the U.S., should Schiphol traffic rights be cut. This is because airlines from the U.S. that use AMS, feel negatively affected by a slot reduction. First and foremost, KLM SkyTeam partner, Delta Air Lines would be most affected, but also American Airlines, United and JetBlue. Their association, Airlines for America (A4A), has announced that it will go to court to stop the Dutch government’s traffic interventions. Should the judges substantiate A4A’s claims, dire consequences for KLM’s U.S. flights cannot be excluded.
