Amsterdam Schiphol has permission to cap its capacity at a minimum of 440,000 flight movements annually as part of a nature permit (natuurvergunning) granted by the Netherlands' minister of nature and nitrogen policy, the airport announced in a statement. However, until the next government decides on the issue after elections in November, it will be allowed a maximum of 500,000.
The permit opens the door for the Dutch government to implement stricter environmental and noise limits at Schiphol.
"We want such a new system as soon as possible but no later than 2025-2026," the airport said. "We call on the government to develop a legally binding system where the goal is no longer the number of flight movements but less noise and emissions, in line with the Paris Climate Accords."
The airport applied for the permit in October 2020 in line with provisions under the Dutch Nature Conservation Act (Wet natuurbescherming - WNB).
The restriction is in line with a new Airport Traffic Decree the Dutch government issued on June 24, 2022, that limits the number of flight movements at Schiphol to 440,000 per annum. The decree is currently under review by the European Commission to see if it complies with a so-called "Balanced Approach" to climate change measures as required under European Union regulations. The Dutch Cabinet will make a final decision on it following Brussels' assessment.
In granting the permit on September 26, the Ministry of Nature and Nitrogen Policy temporarily permits the current maximum annual number of 500,000 flight movements until the government makes its decision pending feedback from Brussels. This applies to commercial air traffic, general aviation, and all ground-based activities related to air operations.
In a letter to the speaker of the House of Representatives, nature minister Christianne van der Wal-Zeggelink explained the decision: "I have granted a permit for an annual number of 440,000 aircraft movements. In addition, I am temporarily granting a permit for an annual number of 500,000 aircraft movements, i.e. until the Airport Traffic Decree has been amended. If a higher number than 440,000 flight movements is recorded in the [decree], then that higher number is permitted, of course with a maximum of 500,000 flight movements."
As ch-aviation previously reported, the Dutch government's proposals to Brussels aim to reduce noise at Schiphol by 5% per day and 15% at night by lowering annual flight movements in 2024 from the current 500,000. In addition, it proposes limiting night flights to 28,700 per year, controlling the use of runways, and enforcing quieter aircraft at night.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL, Amsterdam Schiphol) and the global airline community represented by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are lobbying against the capacity cap, which they argue will harm their business. They support airlines investing in more efficient aircraft, smarter flight procedures, and adjusting flight schedules as a more feasible solution. The United States has also warned that the Dutch government's unilateral decision would contravene the open skies agreement between the US and the EU.
