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Environment

Schiphol flight reductions: Minister faces backlash amid European scrutiny

10:50

Infrastructure minister Barry Madlener is advancing plans to reduce flights to and from Schiphol airport, despite facing significant criticism from Brussels. On Wednesday, the minister confirmed a new limit of 478,000 aircraft movements, a measure he argues will decrease noise nuisance by 15%, aligning with a previous court order. This reduction includes the cancellation of 5,000 night flights.

Madlener’s decision has drawn ire from the European Commission, which has asserted that he has not provided adequate justification for these changes. Additionally, members of parliament have expressed their dissatisfaction, advocating for a more substantial reduction in flight numbers.

Critically, the new limits do not fulfill the government’s target of achieving a 20% reduction in noise pollution. The minister has stated that the remaining reduction will be addressed through the introduction of quieter aircraft by 2028. He indicated that air traffic could resume growth once the 20% reduction is achieved.

While airlines have welcomed this flexibility, environmental organizations have voiced their concerns, arguing that the modest decrease in noise levels may not be perceptible to local residents. A spokesman for Greenpeace noted, “Nuisance is also down to the large number of aircraft flying over you every hour.”

Local residents are advocating for a more significant cut, proposing a limit of 438,000 aircraft movements to better address their concerns.

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