Minister maintains plan to reduce Schiphol noise by 15%

Minister Madlener of Infrastructure and Water Management is steadfast in his plan to reduce the significant noise pollution around Schiphol Airport by 15% this year. This decision does not align with the Dutch Parliament’s motion, which aimed for a 17% reduction.

The coalition agreement set a target to cut noise pollution by 20% during the cabinet’s term, a goal Madlener still supports, though he is taking a more cautious initial step. “It is a substantial challenge that requires years,” Madlener stated.

“We are implementing measures that are least harmful to the airport while still achieving the noise targets, which we all agree must be met.” Various measures have been introduced to lessen the noise disturbance, such as requiring airlines to purchase quieter aircraft and restricting nighttime flights. Experts, commissioned by the ministry, suggest that these efforts are insufficient and that fewer flights are necessary.

Currently, Schiphol is permitted a maximum of 500,000 flights annually; to achieve a 15% reduction, this would need to decrease to 478,000. For a 17% reduction, the number should be even lower, experts say.

Schiphol and KLM believe the current measures can meet the 17% target, a hope shared by Madlener. However, KLM and Schiphol warn of potential repercussions if flights are reduced, as cutting foreign airlines’ historical rights might lead to international airports revoking KLM’s landing and takeoff rights.

A court ruling last year found the state insufficiently protected residents from Schiphol’s noise pollution. The previous minister, Harbers, announced a reduction to 452,500 flights, a decision later rescinded.

Now, Minister Madlener has set the cap at 478,000 flights. Madlener expressed, “I believe this is very good news for all people living around Schiphol.

The noise disturbance will significantly decrease at Schiphol.”

Source: NOS

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