Schiphol Airport: Statement on Dutch Supreme Court decision

16.07.2024 - 11:14 / traveldailynews.com / Willie Walsh / Theodore Koumelis

IATA and KLM welcomed the Dutch Supreme Court’s ruling, affirming that Schiphol Airport’s capacity cuts violated the Balanced Approach for noise management, upheld by EU law and international treaties.

GENEVA – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) responded to a judgement from the Supreme Court in the Netherlands, which has upheld the original decision from the Amsterdam District Court that the ‘experimental regulation’ to reduce Schiphol Airport’s capacity was not in compliance with the Balanced Approach to noise management.

“We welcome this decision from the Supreme Court, affirming the original decision of the Amsterdam District Court that the unilateral cuts to flight numbers at Schiphol Airport were unlawful, and overturning the Court of Appeal. There is an internationally-agreed means of managing airport noise – the Balanced Approach – which protects the national and regional benefits of air connectivity while helping to mitigate noise impacts for local residents. We expect the new Dutch Government will respect today’s decision and proceed to apply the Balanced Approach, which is also enshrined in EU law and international treaties, with the utmost care with regards to Schiphol Airport. Furthermore, we hope any other government thinking of disregarding the Balanced Approach will take note of this decision. It is a proven and successful process and should not be ignored,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“The Supreme Court ruled that any measure leading to a reduction in the number of aircraft movements at Schiphol must go through a balanced approach procedure in accordance with European legislation.

KLM supports the Supreme Court’s clearly substantiated ruling.

KLM wants to continue to connect the Netherlands with the rest of the world in balance with the environment. To this end, we have drawn up the cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient plan, which shows that the common goal of reducing noise pollution can be achieved without reducing the number of aircraft movements.”

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