It is necessary to reduce the number of flights, as the airport exceeds the permissible noise level. The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Resources of the Netherlands, Mark Harbers, notified the House of Representatives of the need to introduce restrictions. by letter sent there.
Why was such a decision made?
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the country's main air gateway. It is located about 20 km from the capital and serves many international and domestic flights - both passenger and cargo. The airport rating is 4 stars, only nine airports in the world correspond to such a rating. Schiphol is one of the four largest airports in Europe, the other three are British Heathrow, German Frankfurt Airport and French Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris. About 60 million passengers use Schiphol's services annually, in addition, the airport handles about 1,5 million tons of cargo. The airport is extremely important for the economy and transport infrastructure of the Netherlands.
However, Schiphol is located in a densely populated area of the Netherlands. The roar of constantly taking off and landing planes disturbs the peace of local residents. In addition, the fuel burned by aircraft pollutes the environment, and the population of the region fears for their environmental safety. Schiphol Airport is overloaded. The government is forced to strike a balance between the importance of maintaining Schiphol Airport and providing a healthy living environment for the people of the region.
What is planned to be done?
In order not to exceed the maximum permissible noise levels, Schiphol cannot handle more than 440 flights per year. More are currently being processed and the government intends to ban such excess from November 2023.
It is possible that part of Schiphol's flights will be moved to Lelystad Airport. Currently, Lelystad serves general aviation: this is the name of private aircraft designed for aeronautics and occasional personal flights. In addition, flight schools and the Aviodrom aviation museum are located in Lelystad. In 1993, Lelystad Airport was acquired by the Schiphol Group. However, the current environmental permit for Lelystad Airport does not allow for this transfer. You can apply for a new permit no earlier than the summer of 2024.
Nevertheless, the Government of the Netherlands is convinced that it is necessary to introduce certainty into the prospects for the development of the aviation industry and the environmental safety of local residents. Therefore, the allowed number of flights handled by Schiphol Airport will be limited.
Foreign travelers, leaving the Netherlands, have the opportunity to return the VAT paid in the country. Find out about how to get a VAT refund at Schiphol Airport.
Publication Date: 11.07.2022
