Dutch Government May Back Down on Schiphol Private Jet Ban

Aviation groups say Dutch government should delay Schiphol Airport cuts until November election

Even in the face of a general election in November, the Netherlands' caretaker government wants to press ahead with plans to cut annual flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from 500,000 to 460,000. (Image: Royal Schiphol Group)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

By Cathy Buyck • Contributor - Europe

September 1, 2023

The government of the Netherlands has watered down plans to drastically reduce the number of aircraft movements at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Dutch media reported on Friday. Under the new plan, the number of yearly flight movements will be capped at 452,000 by November 2024 and not at 440,000 as initially foreseen. Also, the anticipated ban on private jets and night flights could be scrapped altogether.

The government is expected to inform the European Commission of its revised plans today or early next week. Since last summer, the Dutch government has been demanding that Schiphol reduce its flight activity owing to noise pollution for local residents. It opted for a phased reduction, from the maximum allowed number of 500,000 flights per year—as agreed by the previous government—to 460,000 flights and then to 440,000 flights.

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