This is a first in Europe. The Dutch government has taken the decision to limit the number of annual flights at Amsterdam-Schiphol airport from a capacity of 500,000 to 440,000. The target? Reduce noise pollution and address concerns of people living near the site about the environmental impact of air traffic, reports noethic†
“Local residents (…) are affected by aircraft noise and are concerned about the impact on the environment. We want to retain this strong hub function. At the same time, attention must be paid to reducing the negative effects of aviation on people, the environment and nature.”explains the government in a press release while Mark Harbers, Minister of Infrastructure, for his part stated that it was necessary to “a new balance” Among “the importance of a good international airport, a good business climate and the importance of a better living environment”can we read? news reporter†
A drop in future flights to Roissy?
Amsterdam-Schiphol is the third busiest airport in Europe. The initiative could inspire other governments. In any case, this is the wish of many associations and NGOs who remember that in order to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement, a drastic reduction in air traffic is necessary, and this at a global level.
In France, residents of Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle took advantage of the Dutch government’s announcement to request a limit on the number of annual flights, reports again noethicsupported by 18 associations, including Friends of the Earth, France Nature Environnement and Greenpeace.
“What is possible at Amsterdam-Schiphol, is also possible at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle”assure them in a press release, passed on by news reporter† “This approach is fully in line with European directives and regulations on reducing noise and chemical pollution around airports and greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. †
On the other hand, the decision of the Dutch government is not received with understanding on the part of aviation professionals. KLM, the airline of the Netherlands, writes in a press release, reported by the site Business trip † “If KLM has to reduce the number of flights, travelers will choose other (less efficient) routes to the same destination. The environmental impact remains the same. KLM therefore urges the government to take measures that effectively improve sustainability. This includes support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. But also the creation of a single European sky that would reduce CO2 emissions by 10%. †
The debate has only just begun.