Schiphol shrinkage a step closer, but protection for local residents needs to be clearer

The Dutch government has moved a step closer to capping annual flight movements at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, with a proposed limit of 478,000 flights per year, including 27,000 at night. This initiative aims to reduce noise pollution significantly by 2029, targeting a 20 percent decrease in residents experiencing severe disturbance during the day and a 15 percent reduction at night. The plan envisions that if noise targets are met, the cap could eventually be increased to 500,000 flights. The Council of State has largely supported the draft Airport Traffic Decree but urged the Ministry of Infrastructure and Waterstaat to develop contingency measures should noise reduction goals fall short. Minister Vincent Karremans welcomed the advisory report as a positive step while acknowledging that further work is required. The government intends to finalize the regulations with an implementation date of November 1, ensuring that the input from the advisory body is carefully integrated into the final policy decision to better protect local communities.