Amsterdam airport becomes the first in the world to limit flights in its bid to reduce pollution
Dutch Schiphol Airport has become the first in the world to reduce the number of flights by 12% in a bid to reduce pollution and make industry and aviation more sustainable.
The decision was taken by the cabinet of the government of the country and the same was brought to the attention of the House of Representatives through a letter signed by the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Mark Harbers, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
“Minister Harbers informs the House of Representatives of the cabinet’s decision to reduce the maximum number of aircraft movements allowed to and from Schiphol to 440,000 per year. This instead of the 500,000 aircraft movements of the draft decree on airport traffic (LVB),notes the government in a press release published on the sidelines of the letter sent to the House of Representatives.
In his letter, the Minister asserts that despite the excellent connection of the Netherlands with the world, mainly due to Schiphol airport, the country must pay due attention to reducing the negative effects of aviation on people, the environment and nature.
The Minister also points out that a reduction in the number of aircraft movements would lead to less noise pollution and fewer emissions of CO2, nitrogen, particulates (ultra) and other harmful substances.
However, he expresses his awareness that the decision will have major consequences for the aviation sector. The reduction in the number of flights will still be effective before the end of 2023.
The decision was criticized by many, including Airports Council International (ACI Europe) chief executive Olivier Jankovec, who said that “Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is what makes the Netherlands bigger than it isinsisting that the government’s decision to reduce airport capacity will inevitably make the Netherlands smaller.
During the first week of this month, the Netherlands had also limited the number of passengers who could fly daily from the airport in its attempt to combat long queues and canceled flights. The decision will be effective until the end of July but may be extended if current concerns about the influx of passengers at the airport are not resolved.
“If fewer travelers can fly on a given day, the Independent Slot Coordinator (ACNL) will determine the distribution and the airlines will decide how to fix it. They will do everything possible to minimize the consequences for travelers“, underlined in this regard a press release published by Schiphol airport.
In another press release published on June 29, Schiphol airport authorities have asked passengers to bring as little luggage as possibleas well as to arrive at the airport at least four hours before their flight, in order to allow airport staff to better distribute crowds and promote fluidity around check-in counters and security control.
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