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On 5 March, the European Commission adopted a decision assessing the Dutch plan to introduce noise reduction measures at Schiphol Airport. This plan is a step to achieve the ambitious goal of the EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan, which aims to reduce by 30% the number of people suffering from chronic transport noise by 2030. The proposed measures include reducing the annual flight limit from 500,000 to 478,000 and cutting nighttime flights from 32,000 to 27,000.

Following the Balanced Approach process, the Commission assessed whether the measures are cost-effective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate. While the Dutch authorities have largely followed the correct procedure, the Commission identified some shortcomings. Notably, the plan only addresses commercial aviation, exempting general aviation and business aviation from the measures, despite their contribution to noise.

Furthermore, the Commission found that the Netherlands has only partially considered the potential of fleet renewal to reduce aircraft noise. The plan excludes the effect of fleet renewal which the aviation industry will naturally proceed with based on current trends. The Netherlands did not provide sufficient evidence to support this approach or explain how it applies to Schiphol Airport specifically. Additionally, the Netherlands has not fully explored the potential of noise-reducing flight procedures, such as innovative landing and navigation techniques. 

The Dutch authorities are now invited to examine the Commission’s decision and inform on their next steps before introducing the measures.

CLECAT closely follows the comments from Air Cargo Netherlands (ACN) who has formally objected to the new tariff structure introduced at Schiphol Airport. Whereas there is broad consensus that Schiphol must become quieter and cleaner. However, the tariff differentiation implemented by Schiphol, particularly in the cargo aircraft segment is not acceptable. Instead of encouraging a gradual transition, it results in a disproportionate and overly rapid increase in charges. This approach risks harming the air cargo sector without delivering the intended environmental benefits.

Source: European Commission, ACN