ACM gives Schiphol the green light for new airport charges

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has approved the new charges that Schiphol introduced on 1 April 2025. Airport charges are going to increase by 37% over the next three years to enable necessary investments and further improve the quality of the airport. Schiphol is also differentiating the charges more than ever. Rates for quieter aircraft are going down while airlines are being charged relatively more for older, noisier planes. The charges are going up by 41% in 2025, 5% in 2026, and then down by 7.5%* in 2027.

Schiphol's CFO Robert Carsouw: ‘We appreciate the thorough review carried out by ACM and welcome confirmation that the new charges are reasonable. We will use the scope this provides to improve the airport in all areas. We are investing in improving the quality of service to passengers and airlines, sustainability, good working conditions for everyone working at Schiphol and a good balance with our environment. We are working with vigour and in collaboration with airlines on all of these matters’.

ACM's verdict
The ACM checked Schiphol's charges against the Aviation Act after complaints from airlines and interest groups about the extent of the increase and the fact that take-off and landing charges will be a lot higher for aircraft making relatively more noise.

The ACM found that the increase in charges is not unreasonable. They came to this verdict after comparing the charges with other airports and because their investigation made it clear that these do not exceed Schiphol's underlying costs.

On the differentiation, the ACM ruled: ‘Night flights weigh much more heavily in the noise calculations because these flights cause more nuisance to local residents. Schiphol is therefore allowed to make these night rates relatively higher. Schiphol should also be allowed to make the noisiest categories more expensive to make the quieter categories cheaper, so that airlines are encouraged to use quieter aircraft. [...] Finally, no abuse of a dominant economic position is evident here, as Schiphol does not earn more from this rate differentiation and is pursuing the public interest.’

The airlines had also filed complaints against a ban on certain types of aircraft that Schiphol had included in its terms and conditions due to noise nuisance. The ACM ruled that Schiphol may not introduce this ban independently. Schiphol sees this differently and considers it an important measure in the reduction of noise nuisance.

*The final charges for 2026 and 2027 will be formally established within the next 2 years. They may still be affected by future settlements and future external factors.