Less severe nuisance from Schiphol already reached this year – thanks to rapid arrival of new aircraft

Schiphol Airport expects to hit its 2029 target for reducing severe noise pollution by next year, well ahead of schedule. Data indicates that the number of people severely affected by aircraft noise will drop to 81,300 in 2026, surpassing the cabinet's goal of 91,000. This progress is primarily driven by the increased use of modern, quieter aircraft rather than the reduction in total flight numbers previously prioritized by the government. Smaller noise contours are expected in areas including Amsterdam-South and Duivendrecht.

Simultaneously, Schiphol is changing how it manages air traffic during runway maintenance. When the secondary Oostbaan runway closes for a twenty-week renovation starting in March 2025, the airport will no longer shift traffic to other runways to avoid noise spikes. This shift, which follows criticism regarding disturbance in cities like Amsterdam, means airlines may face flight delays or cancellations during the maintenance period if weather conditions prevent the use of primary runways. The airport aims to maintain 476,800 annual flights while adhering to stricter environmental standards.