Whereas Amsterdam-Schiphol is grappling with problems of traffic flow management in the face of a staff shortage, here's a new episode that the airport hub could happily have done without. The Dutch government has just announced its intention to reduce the number of aircraft movements. on Europe's third-largest intercontinental hub, threatening its role as a hub.
Of course, the government recognises the important role Schiphol plays in the Dutch economy. " Being so well connected to the rest of the world is a major contributor to the Netherlands' prosperity" says a government press release. However, it stressed that the presence of the platform in a heavily urbanised area has negative effects on people and the environment.
The government justifies its U-turn on the future of Schiphol by balancing the importance of having a major international airport - which is also good for business - with the importance of a healthier environment. And clearly, the government is leaning towards the latter. Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management, Mark Harbers.
Reducing the number of flights by 2023
From November 2023, Amsterdam Schiphol airport will no longer be able to exceed established noise limits.. This will effectively limit flight movements to a maximum of 440,000 per yearThis compares with more than 520,000 movements at present. In its initial projections for the future of the airport, the government even forecast up to 540,000 air movements. " This is a difficult message for the aviation sector, which is still recovering from the far-reaching consequences of the coronavirus pandemic." Mark Harbers conceded.
Environmental campaigners, for their part, are delighted with what has been described as an historic decision. In an interview, Leo Murray, Director of Innovation for the NGO Possible, declared that it was a "historic decision". a world first that could be extremely important for global climate efforts. Because of the extreme technical challenges of decarbonising air transport and the slow progress made to date, it is almost certain that a reduction in the overall number of flights - at least temporary - will be necessary worldwide to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement" .
KLM rebels
On the other hand, the airlines - led by KLM and its low-cost subsidiary Transavia - are crying foul. KLM said it was surprised by this decision, which goes against the promises of the coalition in power in the Netherlands. The Dutch national carrier points out that this development does not correspond to the desire to maintain a strong hub function for the national economy; it does not support a stable and predictable national business; and it will not contribute to improving the quality of life and climate.
The company explains that global demand for mobility remains unchanged. It should even continue to grow. Travellers will continue to favour air travel where cars and trains are not an alternative. " If KLM has to reduce the number of flights, passengers will opt for other (less efficient) routes to the same destination.. The environmental impact will remain the same. KLM is therefore urging the government to take measures that will actually improve sustainability. This includes support for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). But also the realisation of a Single European Sky that would reduce CO2 emissions by 10%" said the company's press release.
The airport authorities, for their part, have declared their support for a "thoughtful approach" . The aim is to " linking the Netherlands to the rest of the world in an increasingly sustainable and noise-free Schiphol" .
The frozen Lelystad alternative
Another problem that adds to the ills that Schiphol will suffer: the decision to open the Lelystad aerodrome to leisure flights has been postponed until 2024. This hub - managed for 30 years by Schiphol Airport - already handles business aviation flights. The ambition to transfer holiday flights or certain low-cost flights to this airport has therefore been temporarily frozen.This would have helped free up capacity at the Amsterdam hub.
However, the Minister for Infrastructure has indicated that he will shortly be giving more details of the decision concerning Amsterdam Schiphol airport. This will be done in collaboration with local residents and stakeholders in the aviation sector. The battle for Schiphol has only just begun...
